Super Eagles star makes surprise return to former club FC Twente after Serie A exit

Tyronne Ebuehi has made a surprise return to FC Twente as the Super Eagles defender continues his recovery from a serious knee injury, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 30-year-old Nigeria international was spotted training with the FC Twente/Heracles Under-21 team in Enschede on Friday, more than five years after he left the Dutch club.

The session was the Under-21 side's final training before its away game against Go Ahead Eagles. Ebuehi joined the squad coached by Herman Kamminga as he works towards a full return to football.

According to Dutch outlet Twente Insite, club journalist Leon ten Voorde of Tubantia reported Ebuehi's return to the training ground.

The right-back is currently a free agent after his contract with Empoli ended this summer. He spent the last part of his Italian career dealing with a serious cruciate ligament injury and has been using Pro-F's facilities in Enschede during his rehabilitation.

His presence at the FC Twente/Heracles Academy gives him a familiar environment as he tries to rebuild his fitness and prepare for the next stage of his career.

Ebuehi: Super Eagles star ready for new chapter

Ebuehi's connection with FC Twente dates back to the 2020-21 season, when he joined the club on loan from Portuguese giants Benfica.

He quickly became an important player in Ron Jans' team, making 34 official appearances during his spell in Enschede. The Nigerian scored once and provided one assist.

That season proved to be an important point in Ebuehi's career after a difficult start at Benfica. He had joined the Portuguese club in 2018 but struggled for regular first-team football.

After leaving Twente, Ebuehi spent the 2021-22 season on loan at Venezia in Italy. He then moved permanently to Empoli in 2022.

His time at Empoli took him into Serie A, but the club suffered relegation in the 2024-25 season and now plays in Italy's second tier.

Ebuehi's Empoli contract ended this summer, leaving him without a club as he continues his recovery. There are no indications that suggest that Twente are preparing to sign him. Instead, the former loanee has been allowed to train with the joint Twente/Heracles academy while he works towards regaining his fitness.

Ebuehi has recorded 12 appearances for Nigeria and was in the Super Eagles squad that featured at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His last appearance for the Super Eagles came in October 2023, helping Nigeria to a 2-2 friendly draw with Saudi Arabia.