Top 5 most expensive Nigerian transfers of the 2026 summer window

Several Nigerian players completed moves to new clubs during the 2026 summer transfer window, including some deals that were finalised on transfer deadline day, Afrik-Foot reports.

The transfer window opened in June and officially closed on Tuesday, September 1, in most major leagues across Europe, although some leagues still have a few extra days to complete their business.

The Turkish Super Lig and Saudi Pro League are among the leagues that still have extra time to complete pending deals and bring in new signings.

However, several Nigerian players were on the move this summer, joining new clubs in search of fresh challenges and, in some cases, fulfilling their dreams of playing in new leagues.

With the transfer window now closed in most of Europe, Afrik-Foot takes a look at the five most expensive deals involving Nigerian players during the 2026 summer transfer window.

5. Rafiu Durosinmi (€10.5 million)

Super Eagles striker Rafiu Durosinmi completed a move from Pisa to Belgian side Genk this summer in a deal worth up to around €10.5 million.

Durosinmi had only joined the Italian club during the winter transfer window, but he struggled to adapt and failed to replicate the impressive form he showed in the Czech Republic with Viktoria Plzen, which had initially convinced Pisa to spend heavily on his signature.

Following Pisa’s eventual relegation, the Italian club decided to sell the Nigerian forward to Genk while retaining a 10 per cent sell-on clause.

Durosinmi joined the Belgian side on a four-year contract and has already made an impressive start to life at his new club, scoring four goals in his first four appearances.

4. Taiwo Awoniyi (€10.5 million)

One of the biggest surprises of the summer was Taiwo Awoniyi’s decision to switch clubs and join newly promoted Coventry City from Nottingham Forest.

Awoniyi had been with Forest since 2022 and scored 23 goals in 103 appearances across all competitions for the club. However, a lack of playing time and opportunities eventually saw him leave in search of a new challenge.

The Super Eagles striker has already made an impact since arriving at Coventry. He scored during their 4-2 win over Plymouth Argyle in the EFL Cup second round and also provided an assist in the same encounter.

3. Femi Azeez (just over €17.5 million)

Super Eagles newcomer Femi Azeez finally secured his dream move on transfer deadline day after completing a transfer from Millwall to Brighton & Hove Albion.

Azeez was linked with several clubs throughout the summer, but his impressive performances for Millwall during the 2025-26 season eventually earned him a move to the Premier League.

The Nigerian forward was named in the PFA Championship Team of the Season following an impressive campaign, and Brighton eventually moved to secure his signature.

Brighton will pay an initial €14.6 million for Azeez, while the deal could rise to just over €17.5 million with add-ons, making him the third most expensive Nigerian footballer of the summer.

2. Akor Adams (€20-23 million)

Akor Adams also completed a surprise move from Sevilla to Venezia this summer in a deal that could be worth up to €23 million if all the agreed bonuses and add-ons are met.

Venezia will pay a guaranteed €16 million for the Nigerian striker, with the rest of the package made up of add-ons.

The deal also makes Adams Venezia’s record signing as he begins a new chapter in his career.

The Super Eagles forward made an immediate impact at his new club, scoring two goals and providing an assist on his debut. He will now be hoping to continue that form and make a major impact for Venezia during the season.

1. Zadok Yohanna (€30 million)

Arguably the biggest move involving a Nigerian player this summer, 18-year-old Zadok Yohanna completed a move to Brighton & Hove Albion from Swedish side AIK.

The transfer marked a remarkable rise in the career of the young Nigerian, who only moved abroad in 2025 after leaving Nigeria before beginning his journey towards the Premier League.

Yohanna was one of the most closely followed Nigerian players during the summer transfer window, with several major clubs reportedly competing for his signature.

Chelsea, Rennes, Manchester City, Newcastle United and even Real Madrid were among the clubs linked with the highly rated youngster.

However, Brighton eventually won the race to sign Yohanna in a deal worth €28 million, with a further €2 million included in potential add-ons.

The deal, worth up to €30 million in total, made Yohanna the most expensive player ever sold by AIK and also saw him emerge as the most expensive Nigerian transfer of the 2026 summer window.