Anthony Dennis transfer: Why Goztepe opened door for ₦12.5bn sale amid Anderlecht interest

Belgian giants Anderlecht have stepped up their pursuit of Goztepe midfielder Anthony Dennis after the Turkish club gave the Nigerian permission to leave this summer, Afrik-Foot reports.

The 22-year-old defensive midfielder’s quality is not in doubt following another impressive season in the Turkish Super Lig. Anderlecht first tried to sign Dennis in the summer of 2025, but their opening offer of €3.25 million was turned down by Goztepe, who believed the player was worth much more.

After watching the one-time Super Eagles invitee continue his rapid development during the 2025/26 campaign, the Belgian club has returned with fresh interest. The Nigerian featured in 33 league matches last season, scoring three goals and providing three assists while becoming one of Goztepe’s most reliable performers in midfield.

However, Anderlecht face a huge challenge because several clubs from across Europe are also trying to sign the former HB Abuja player. Newly promoted Premier League side Coventry City are among the leading contenders after holding positive talks over a possible transfer.

Interest also continues to grow from Germany, where RB Leipzig, Eintracht Frankfurt, Union Berlin, Mainz, Hoffenheim and Augsburg have all followed his progress. In Turkey, champions Galatasaray have already seen an opening bid rejected, while Besiktas, Fenerbahce and Trabzonspor are also monitoring the situation. Spanish club Villarreal have made enquiries, and French side Rennes are keeping a close watch as well.

Despite the growing list of admirers, Goztepe are understood to value Dennis at around €8 million (₦12.5 billion), with reports suggesting the final asking price could rise even higher if the bidding war continues.

Anthony Dennis: Why Goztepe are ready to sell

Although Goztepe are prepared to listen to offers, the decision has nothing to do with Anthony Dennis nearing the end of his contract. The Nigerian remains tied to the Izmir club until June 2027, giving Goztepe control over any negotiations.

The club’s main reason for considering a sale is financial. Dennis has enjoyed two outstanding seasons in Turkey, and his market value has risen sharply. Only three years ago, Dennis arrived Goztepe from Nigeria with a Transfermarkt value of €25,000. Goztepe believe this summer offers the perfect chance to make the Nigerian the third most expensive departures in the club’s history before his value potentially changes in future seasons.

Because Dennis still has a contract, Goztepe are under no pressure to accept a low offer. Instead, they can wait for clubs to compete against each other and push the price closer to their valuation of between €7 million and €10 million.

The strategy also fits the business model of Goztepe’s owners, Sport Republic, who focus on developing talented young players before selling them at the right time for significant profit. Dennis, who arrived from Nigerian academy HB Abuja, has become another success story under that approach.