Super Eagles: How a Serie A switch could help Femi Seriki challenge Aina, Bewene, Alebiosu

Italian Serie A club Sassuolo have identified Super Eagles-eligible defender Femi Seriki as one of their top transfer targets, Afrik-Foot reports.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reports that Sassuolo have submitted a structured €6 million offer to Sheffield United for the 24-year-old Nigerian. The proposal includes an initial €1 million payment, worth around ₦1.6 billion, followed by a mandatory €5 million (approximately ₦8 billion) purchase clause if the deal is completed.

However, Sheffield United have reportedly rejected the opening bid as they remain reluctant to lose a key defender ahead of the new season. The Championship club still values Seriki highly after he played 38 matches during the 2025/26 campaign and has a contract that runs until 2027.

Sassuolo’s interest comes as the Italian side looks to strengthen its defence after selling centre-back Tarik Muharemović to Leeds United. The club is expected to reinvest part of that money into new signings, with Seriki now sitting high on its shortlist.

Born in Manchester, Seriki qualifies to represent both England and Nigeria through his family. He came through Sheffield United’s academy after beginning his youth career at Bury and gained senior experience during loan spells with Beerschot in Belgium, Boston United, Rochdale and Rotherham United before becoming a regular at Bramall Lane.

His speed, attacking runs and ability to play comfortably as a modern right-back have earned praise in England, while interest from Serie A shows his performances are now attracting attention beyond the Championship.

Why Serie A could strengthen his Super Eagles chances

A move to Sassuolo could increase Seriki’s chances of earning his first Super Eagles invitation under head coach Eric Chelle.

Although Seriki impressed with Sheffield United, playing in the English Championship does not offer the same weekly exposure as the Italian top flight. Serie A would place him against some of the strongest attackers in Europe and allow Nigerian national team scouts to monitor him regularly.

There is already a successful example for Seriki to follow. Current Super Eagles star Ola Aina developed into one of the first names on the Super Eagles roster after moving to Serie A with Torino. Italian football helped improve Aina’s tactical awareness and defensive discipline, qualities that later made him an important player for both club and country.

Seriki could also benefit from Nigeria’s growing connection with Italian football. In recent years, the Super Eagles coaching staff has closely followed Nigerian stars playing in Serie A, including Victor Osimhen during his time at Napoli and Ademola Lookman back at Atalanta.

Competition for Nigeria’s right-back position remains fierce

Even if Seriki completes a move to Italy, breaking into the Super Eagles will not be easy.

Ola Aina remains Nigeria’s first-choice right-back thanks to his Premier League experience and consistent performances. Bright Osayi-Samuel is also an established international, while Ryan Alebiosu has emerged as another young England-born defender pushing for regular involvement after an impressive Championship season. Young prospect Abdullahi Bewene has also entered the picture following his senior international debut.

Still, Seriki’s numbers compare well with many of his rivals. He featured in 38 Championship matches last season and contributed one goal and five assists while showing the attacking qualities modern full-backs are expected to deliver.

A successful switch to Sassuolo would give him the opportunity to test himself every week in Serie A, arguably Europe’s most tactical league. If he adapts quickly and becomes a regular starter, his chances of receiving a first Super Eagles call-up could increase significantly.

In the meantime, Sheffield United have turned down Sassuolo’s opening offer, but with the Italian club eager to strengthen its defence, the transfer story may not be over yet. Should another improved bid arrive, both Seriki’s club future and his international ambitions with Nigeria could take an important step forward.