What Chidera Ejuke’s response says about failed Anderlecht move

Chidera Ejuke may have been expected to leave Sevilla this summer, but his response to the failed Anderlecht move has allowed the Nigerian winger to change the conversation about his future, Afrik-Foot reports.

For much of the summer, Ejuke’s future at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán appeared to be heading towards an exit.

Sevilla were prepared to sell the 28-year-old, with Anderlecht emerging as one of the clubs interested in securing his services. The Belgian side submitted a €3.5 million offer, but the proposed move failed to materialise.

He had been left out of Sevilla’s pre-season plans and trained separately from the group while the club tried to resolve his future. Yet, after the Anderlecht move collapsed, he returned to first-team training and gradually found his way back into Luis García Plaza’s plans.

Chidera Ejuke’s response says plenty about his mentality

His goal in Sevilla’s 3-1 victory over Athletic Club was important for more than simply putting his name on the scoresheet.

Coming off the bench, Ejuke doubled Sevilla’s advantage at San Mamés and helped his side maintain their perfect start to the LaLiga season, but his words after the game arguably revealed more about his response to the summer than the goal itself.

“I wanted to play my game, stay focused, and give it my all,” the former Hertha Berlin winger said.

Sevilla were looking to generate a fee from his departure, particularly with Ejuke entering the final year of his contract, but the Nigerian has chosen to focus on what he can control.

“I always try to be available to help the team in any way I can,” he added.

Failed Anderlecht move could hand Ejuke another chance

The irony of Ejuke’s situation is that a transfer which did not happen may have created an opportunity that initially seemed unlikely.

Had Anderlecht completed the deal, Ejuke would have started another chapter of his career in Belgium. Instead, he remains at Sevilla and has already shown García Plaza that he can make an impact even when introduced from the bench.

The goal against Athletic Club does not automatically mean Sevilla have abandoned their plans to sell him. However, it gives the club something to consider.

A player they appeared ready to move on has returned to the squad, accepted his opportunity and produced when called upon.

More importantly, Ejuke’s response suggests he is not allowing the uncertainty surrounding his future to dictate his performances.