Osimhen, Onuachu and 3 Nigerian players who could secure big moves before deadline day

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The summer transfer window is entering its decisive phase, and several Nigerian players remain at the centre of transfer speculation across Europe, Afrik-Foot reports.

While the likes of Rafiu Durosinmi and Tolu Arokodare have changed clubs this summer, others continue to attract interest from clubs looking to strengthen before the 1st of September.

From Victor Osimhen’s uncertain future at Galatasaray to Wilfred Ndidi’s potential Premier League return, Afrik-Foot looks at five Super Eagles stars whose futures could still change before the transfer window closes.

Victor Osimhen in the Nigerian transfer news
Victor Osimhen. Photo by IMAGO

1. Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray)

Victor Osimhen remains the biggest name on Nigeria’s transfer market. Despite helping Galatasaray dominate Turkish football, his future at RAMS Park isn’t certain as several elite clubs continue to monitor his situation.

Barcelona were previously interested but have cooled their pursuit after concerns over the overall financial package required to complete a deal, with Galatasaray unwilling to entertain offers below €100 million and Osimhen’s salary demands adding another obstacle.

That has shifted attention elsewhere. Tottenham Hotspur have emerged as contenders, with Roberto De Zerbi identifying the Nigerian as the ideal striker to lead his pressing system thanks to his relentless work rate and goalscoring record.

Atletico Madrid also continue to monitor developments, although their financial position makes any move complicated.

With nearly a month of the transfer window remaining, Osimhen remains one of the biggest names capable of producing a blockbuster Deadline Day move.

Ademola Lookman of Atletico Madrid celebrates
Ademola Lookman of Atletico Madrid celebrates. Copyright: ImagoxChengxMin

2. Ademola Lookman (Atlético Madrid)

Ademola Lookman’s Atletico Madrid future appears less certain than many expected only months after his move from Atalanta.

The Super Eagles forward impressed during his first six months in Spain, scoring nine goals and providing three assists despite operating in Diego Simeone’s demanding tactical system.

However, reports from Turkey suggest Fenerbahce are preparing an ambitious move should they complete the sale of Kerem Aktürkoğlu to Al Ahli.

The Turkish giants view Lookman as the statement signing capable of transforming their attack and boosting their ambitions in European competition.

Whether Atletico are prepared to listen to offers remains unclear, but Lookman is one player whose situation could quickly evolve if Fenerbahce generate the funds required to negotiate.

Wilfred Ndidi of Besiktas during the pre season friendly football match between FC Spartak Trnava and Besiktas JK at the Anton Malatinsky Stadium City Arena. Trnava, Slovakia, July 14, 2026.
Wilfred Ndidi of Besiktas. Photo by: ImagoxBranislavRacko

3. Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas)

After rebuilding his reputation in Turkey, Wilfred Ndidi has once again become a sought-after midfielder.

Manchester United have revived their interest following Casemiro’s departure and Manuel Ugarte’s long-term injury, viewing the Super Eagles captain as an experienced and affordable solution.

Hull City and clubs from the Saudi Pro League have also been credited with interest, although Besiktas are expected to demand around €8 million for the midfielder.

Given his Premier League experience, leadership qualities and relatively modest valuation, Ndidi could become one of the market’s smartest late-window opportunities if United or another English club decide to speed up negotiations.

Super Eagles stars Paul Onuachu and Calvin Bassey
Super Eagles stars Paul Onuachu and Calvin Bassey. Copyright: xMikolajxBarbanellx/IMAGO

4. Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor)

Unlike others on this list, Paul Onuachu has declared his desire to remain at Trabzonspor.

The Nigerian striker recently rejected interest from Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal, insisting his connection with the Turkish club outweighed financial incentives.

However, transfer windows don’t always follow straightforward scripts.

A substantial offer arriving before Deadline Day could still test Trabzonspor’s resolve, particularly if another European club enters the race after Fulham cooled their interest by moving for Gonzalo Garcia.

While Onuachu currently appears committed to staying, experienced strikers remain valuable, meaning his situation cannot be completely ruled out.

Super Eagles and Marseille midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi
Super Eagles and Marseille midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi. Copyright: IMAGOxFernandoxSoaresx

5. Tochukwu Nnadi (Marseille)

Tochukwu Nnadi may not make the headline waves like Osimhen or Lookman, but the Marseille midfielder could still make one of the smartest moves before the window closes.

Brest are interested in signing the 23-year-old on loan after Joris Chotard’s expected departure, while Marseille are believed to be open to the arrangement.

For Nnadi, the attraction is obvious. Regular first-team football has been difficult to secure since arriving at the Stade Velodrome, making a temporary move an opportunity to accelerate his development while improving his chances of returning to Eric Chelle’s Super Eagles squad.

A loan may not generate the same excitement as a nine-figure transfer, but it could prove equally important for one of Nigeria’s brightest young midfielders.

Super Eagles and Marseille midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi
Super Eagles. Copyright: xAlexandrexdexSousaxIMAGO

With weeks remaining before the transfer window closes, Nigerian football could yet witness several significant moves.

Osimhen continues to headline the market, and Ndidi could be on the move if the right offer comes along.

Meanwhile, Nnadi’s expected loan could become the career-defining decision that prepares him for a bigger role at both club and international level.

<!-- Author Start -->Adefolahan Guerreiro<!-- Author End -->

Adefolahan Guerreiro

Sports Writer

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Adefulu Adefolahan Guerreiro is a sports writer covering Nigeria, with seven years in sports media and a Reuters Digital Journalism certification. Bilingual in English and Spanish, he takes a stats-led approach to football odds and analysis, with work published on Correctscore Today, PureFootball UK and Royalsportz.