Record Champions League winners weighing up move for Nigeria-eligible defender

15-time UEFA Champions League winners Real Madrid are closely monitoring Nigeria-eligible centre-back Honest Ahanor, Afrik Foot reports.

The 18-year-old joined Atalanta from Genoa last summer and has made his impact felt despite being just a teenager in Bergamo.

Ahanor has played 16 games for La Dea across all competitions this season, and has now caught the eye of top European clubs.

Real Madrid looking to sign Nigeria-eligible Ahanor from Atalanta

The youngster has been linked with a move to Ademola Lookman’s Atletico Madrid, but their City rivals have now joined the race.

As per Gianluca Di Marzio, Los Blancos followed the teenager’s performance in the just-concluded March International break and were satisfied with what they saw.

However, Atalanta are not prepared to part ways with Ahanor this summer, not after splashing €17m to secure the services of the left-footed defender in July 2025.

Ahanor was born in Italy to Nigerian parents, but has chosen to follow Gli Azzuri regarding his International future.

He received his call-up to the U-21 side last month and debuted in their 4-0 win over Sweden, coming on for the final 22 minutes of the game, playing as a left-back.

“Regardless of whether it is the major national team or the U-21 team, Italy is always Italy. It’s obvious that a call-up to the senior team could be a further satisfaction, but my head is only to these two games and to think we’re doing well here,” Ahanor said after he was welcomed to the Italy camp.

Away from Ahanor, Michael Kayode was another Nigeria-eligible defender who represented the Italy U-21 team during the March International break.