Durosinmi: Nigeria star linked with Trabzonspor after tough 6 months in Serie A with Pisa

Nigerian striker Rafiu Durosinmi could be heading for another major move only six months after joining Pisa SC in a record transfer from Czech side Viktoria Plzeň, Afrik-Foot reports.

The 23-year-old arrived in Italy in January 2026 with huge expectations after Pisa paid around a record €11 million, including add-ons, to sign him. At the time, the move was described as one of the biggest in the club’s recent history.

Pisa hoped the tall Lagos-born forward would help them survive in Serie A after a difficult first half of the campaign. Instead, the second half of the season became a nightmare for both club and player.

Durosinmi made an instant impression on his debut against Atalanta on January 16. Coming off the bench, he scored a dramatic late equaliser with a powerful header only 19 minutes after entering the match. It looked like the perfect beginning for a striker who had already attracted interest from top clubs in England and Germany before leaving Plzeň.

But things quickly changed. In 12 Serie A appearances, Durosinmi managed only one goal and one assist. His last direct goal involvement came in a 3-1 defeat to Sassuolo at the end of January. After that, injuries, suspensions and poor form disrupted his progress.

A major turning point came on March 15 during Pisa’s match against Cagliari when the Box2Box academy product received a straight red card. The suspension that followed halted whatever momentum he still had. By April, he had lost his starting place under coach Oscar Hiljemark and was mostly used from the bench.

Pisa’s relegation from Serie A has now increased speculation over his future. Czech reports claim Trabzonspor are leading the race for his signature, with the Italian club reportedly demanding between €8 million and €10 million.

Trabzonspor’s Nigerian connection could help Durosinmi

A move to Trabzonspor may offer Durosinmi the chance to rebuild his confidence in a league where Nigerian players have often succeeded.

The Turkish club already has a strong Nigerian presence in the dressing room. Leading that group is Paul Onuachu, who has enjoyed another outstanding season in the Turkish Süper Lig. The former Southampton striker has scored 22 league goals and remains one of the division’s most feared forwards.

Trabzonspor also have veteran winger Anthony Nwakaeme, who returned to the club in 2024 for a second spell and remains hugely popular among supporters. Another Nigerian at the club is defender Chibuike Nwaiwu, who joined from Austrian side Wolfsberger AC in January.

The presence of familiar faces could make adaptation easier for Durosinmi if the transfer goes through.

There is also uncertainty surrounding Onuachu’s future. Reports in Turkey suggest clubs in Germany and Saudi Arabia are monitoring the striker, meaning Trabzonspor may be preparing for life without their current top scorer.

Durosinmi’s height, physical strength and ability to dribble in tight spaces make him an attractive long-term alternative to Onuachu.

Turkey would be a new destination for the former Plzeň striker but he always had admirers from the Super Lig. Before his move to Italy, Samsunspor were strongly linked with the former Karviná lad. But Trabzonspor represent a much bigger step in Turkish football, both financially and competitively.

The club, now managed by Fatih Tekke, are pushing for European qualification and remain one of the biggest names in the country.

Durosinmi, though, may be more willing to remain at Pisa and help the club make an instant return to Serie A.