George Ilenikhena: The €25m problem standing between Nigerian striker and Sevilla

Nigerian striker George Ilenikhena has been strongly linked with a transfer to Spanish La Liga club Sevilla, Afrik-Foot reports.

​The 19-year-old attacker left Monaco for Al-Ittihad in a deal worth €33 million during the January transfer window earlier this year. That move made him the most expensive Nigerian teenager in history.

​However, since his switch to Saudi Arabia, Ilenikhena has featured in only six games. As a result, he appears unhappy and is now looking to explore a return to Europe.

​Sevilla, who are scouting budget-friendly deals to bolster their squad while complying with La Liga’s strict financial constraints, have already initiated contact with both Ilenikhena and Al-Ittihad.

​They want the 19-year-old attacker on a season-long loan. However, the potential transfer faces significant roadblocks and may not materialize.

​Why Sevilla Might Struggle to Sign George Ilenikhena

​It is not uncommon for players who move to Saudi Arabian clubs to return to Europe on loan just a few months later, and Ilenikhena is eager to explore that possibility.

​However, this case is likely to be more complicated. Al-Ittihad are currently facing financial difficulties and require capital, making them unwilling to sanction a player’s exit unless they receive a significant permanent transfer fee.

​Having joined in January, Ilenikhena still has three years remaining on his contract, giving Al-Ittihad the upper hand in negotiations.

🇪🇸🔴 Georges Ilkhanena had an agreement with Sevilla over a one-year loan, after Al Ittihad had previously given the player the green light for the move.

🇸🇦 However, Al Ittihad are now facing financial difficulties and need cash. The Saudi club no longer wants to sanction a loan… pic.twitter.com/Vwev7zbvpR

— Sacha Tavolieri (@sachatavolieri) August 11, 2026

​According to transfer expert Sacha Tavolieri, Al-Ittihad have set an asking price of €25 million to part ways with the forward.

​Complicating matters further, the newly appointed Al-Ittihad coach, Jens Wissing, reportedly rates Ilenikhena and plans to give the youngster a prominent role in the team, which could harden the club’s stance against letting him leave.

​Additionally, Ilenikhena’s wages present a major hurdle, as he earns around €6.2 million annually — a sum far beyond Sevilla’s typical budget.

​As it stands, the La Liga club is eager to add new signings before the transfer window closes in a few weeks. They will need to accelerate negotiations or pivot to alternative targets if a compromise cannot be reached.