Ex-Super Eagles invitee faces Udinese decision with Serie A, Bundesliga clubs watching

Udinese are preparing to make an important decision about the future of their dependable right-back Kingsley Ehizibue, Afrik-Foot reports.

The 30-year-old’s current contract is due to expire in June 2026, but the Italian club have the option to extend it by one more year, keeping him until 2027.

Reports suggest Udinese would like Ehizibue to remain at the club for the 2026/27 season. The defender is also open to staying, which indicates that both parties are broadly on the same page.

However, no final decision has been made, and the situation is expected to become clearer in the coming months.

Udinese’s planning comes after a season that has been difficult to predict. The team showed they can compete at a high level, recording impressive wins over top sides like Napoli and AS Roma. At the same time, they dropped points against weaker teams, which affected their consistency.

One major factor has been injuries. The absence of key players, including Alessandro Zanoli, left Ehizibue as the only natural right-back available for long stretches of the campaign. This increased his importance in the squad.

Since joining from 1. FC Köln in 2022, Ehizibue has developed into a reliable and disciplined defender. This season, he has made around 25 appearances, mostly in Serie A, and has focused more on his defensive duties. While he has not scored or assisted, his contribution has come through solid tackling, good positioning, and consistent performances.

He has completed about 78 percent of his passes and delivered several full-match displays in recent weeks, including strong outings in wins over Fiorentina and Roma. His ability to cover the right flank and follow tactical instructions has made him a trusted option under coach Kosta Runjaic.

Overall, Ehizibue may not be the most eye-catching player, but he has become an important part of Udinese’s defensive structure.

Ehizibue: The Udinese star with Nigeria roots

If Udinese decide not to extend his contract, Ehizibue could become a free agent this summer. That would make him an attractive option for several clubs across Europe.

A return to Germany is one of the most likely outcomes. The defender previously played in the Bundesliga and still has a good reputation there. Several German clubs are believed to be monitoring his situation closely.

There is also interest within Italy. Clubs in Serie A, including sides that have tracked him in the past like Salernitana, could move for him because of his experience and understanding of the league. Staying in Italy might appeal to him, especially as he is already settled.

Another possibility is that Udinese activate the extension clause or even offer him a new long-term deal. That would allow them to keep a player they trust while avoiding losing him for free.

Away from club football, Ehizibue’s international career has been a story of missed opportunities. He came very close to playing for Nigeria’s Super Eagles in 2020 when he received his first call-up under Gernot Rohr for an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

However, two major issues stopped him from making his debut. First were passport and citizenship complications. Born in Germany and raised in the Netherlands, Ehizibue held a Dutch passport, and there were concerns that switching fully to Nigeria could affect his status in Europe.

Then came the global disruption caused by COVID-19, which led to the postponement of those matches. By the time football resumed, the administrative issues had still not been resolved, and his chance slipped away.

Since then, he has remained eligible but uncapped at senior level. The defender has openly said he still wants to play for Nigeria and is willing to do what it takes to make it happen.

Though, his focus for now will be on his club future. Whether he stays in Udine or moves elsewhere, the next few months could be decisive in shaping the final years of his career.