Transfer Deadline Day: Osimhen and 5 Nigerian stars who could still move

The 2026 summer transfer window is entering its final stretch, but the clock is not yet at zero for Victor Osimhen and several other Nigerian players, Footynaija reports.

Premier League clubs have until 11pm BST on Tuesday, September 1, while Germany closes on September 1 and Türkiye on September 4. Saudi Arabia has until September 6. That gives several Nigerian stars a little more room for late deals.

Barcelona-linked Victor Osimhen is still the headline name. Arsenal have discussed his availability with Galatasaray, while the Nigeria striker has refused to close the door on a move. His situation is more complex than a normal deadline-day deal because Galatasaray would need to agree a major fee and Arsenal would need to settle his salary demands.

Other Nigerian players have more direct transfer questions to answer. Suleman Sani is at the centre of talks between RB Leipzig and Al-Qadsiah, while Femi Azeez has attracted bids from Brighton after his strong season at Millwall. Wilfred Ndidi also has Saudi interest after only one year at Beşiktaş.

Calvin Bassey and Paul Onuachu are different cases. Bassey has interest from major clubs but is also discussing a new Fulham contract. Onuachu has received serious offers, yet his own preference has been to stay in Trabzon. Their stories could still produce late twists, especially with the Turkish window open until September 4.

Possible Nigerian transfers on Deadline Day

Victor Osimhen, Galatasaray

Osimhen is the player most likely to dominate the final hours of the window. Arsenal have held talks with Galatasaray about his availability. The discussions came while the clubs also spoke about other players, but Osimhen’s name has become a major part of Arsenal’s search for a striker.

The 27-year-old started the season with Galatasaray and has continued to attract elite European interest. Arsenal’s main problem is financial. Reports say the Gunners want a deal but have asked Osimhen to lower his salary demands.

Barcelona have also been linked with the Nigeria international, while Chelsea and Manchester United have been urged to make a move for the former Napoli man.

A move before the deadline would therefore need three pieces to fall into place: Galatasaray’s price, Osimhen’s salary and the buying club’s ability to complete the paperwork.

Calvin Bassey, Fulham

Bassey’s situation is less about a confirmed bid and more about Fulham’s contract decision. The Nigeria defender has entered the final year of his Fulham deal. He joined from Ajax in July 2023 for €22.5 million and signed a four-year contract, with a club option that could extend it to June 2028.

Inter Milan have been among the clubs showing the strongest interest. Newcastle United, Bournemouth and Tottenham have also made checks on the 26-year-old.

Fulham coach Álvaro Arbeloa has given Bassey an important role. He used him as captain during pre-season and the first Premier League game of the season, and praised his ability to defend high up the pitch. That makes a late sale difficult to predict. Fulham can either protect the player’s value with a new deal or consider a serious offer before his contract enters its final stage.

Suleman Sani, RB Leipzig

Sani’s situation has moved quickly. RB Leipzig and Al-Qadsiah are negotiating a permanent transfer for the 19-year-old Nigerian winger. Sky Germany reported that a package of about €8 million, including possible bonuses, is under discussion. There is no final agreement yet.

Leipzig signed Sani from AS Trenčín in January and gave him a contract until June 2031. He has yet to make his Bundesliga debut and was recently training with the club’s Under-19 team.

That explains why Al-Qadsiah could be attractive. Regular senior football could give Sani a faster path to development than fighting for minutes in Leipzig’s crowded attack. With the Bundesliga window closing on September 1, the talks have little room for delay.

Femi Azeez, Millwall

Azeez has become one of the most interesting Nigerian transfer stories in England. The 25-year-old scored 11 Championship goals and provided seven assists for Millwall last season. His form helped him earn a place in the PFA Championship Team of the Season and a first senior Nigeria call-up.

Brighton have made two offers for the winger, according to a report citing The Athletic, with the latest worth just over £10 million. Millwall rejected both bids because they were below the club’s valuation. Hull City and Wrexham are also interested. Azeez has a Millwall contract until June 2028, so the Championship club can demand a strong fee.

The major issue is his fitness. A Grade 1B hamstring injury forced him off after 30 minutes against Bristol City on August 15. A late Premier League move could depend on how quickly he recovers.

Wilfred Ndidi, Beşiktaş

Ndidi could make a quick exit from Istanbul after only one season at Beşiktaş. The Nigeria midfielder joined from Leicester City for €8 million in August 2025 and signed a three-year contract with an option for another season. He made 25 Süper Lig appearances last season, including 23 starts.

Al-Ittihad are interested as they rebuild their midfield after the departures of Fabinho and N’Golo Kanté. Reports have placed a possible Saudi bid between €10.5 million and €12.5 million. Beşiktaş have a reason to consider the offer, but Ndidi’s value is also linked to his experience in the Premier League and European football.

His fitness is another factor. He suffered an ankle ligament injury in July and has played only 14 minutes this season. Saudi clubs can still register players until September 6, giving Al-Ittihad extra time after the Premier League and Bundesliga deadlines.

Paul Onuachu, Trabzonspor

Onuachu’s case could be the hardest to predict. The 32-year-old scored 22 Süper Lig goals last season and finished as one of the league’s joint top scorers. Trabzonspor rejected an €11 million Saudi offer in June and later put a €30 million price on the striker in talks with Al Ahli.

Yet Onuachu has made his preference clear. In July, he said he wanted to stay at Trabzonspor despite serious offers from clubs in Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Germany. His contract also runs until June 2028. Trabzonspor therefore have control over the decision. The Turkish window closes on September 4, while Saudi clubs can register players until September 6. A very large offer could still force a fresh discussion.