Anthony Dennis eyes Al Jazira move as European links stall in Turkey

Anthony Dennis, 22, is in advanced negotiations over a move from Goztepe to UAE club Al Jazira, with his European options yet to result in a transfer. The Nigerian midfielder joined Goztepe as a youth player in 2023 and has since become an important member of the first team.

Anderlecht remain interested in Dennis, while Bundesliga clubs Hoffenheim, Mainz, Augsburg and Stuttgart have also been linked with him. None of those clubs has completed a deal for the midfielder, leaving Al Jazira in a position to pursue an agreement with Goztepe.

The main obstacle in the European talks has been Goztepe’s valuation of Dennis. The Turkish club are also under pressure to reach a decision because his contract has only one year remaining. Selling him now would allow Goztepe to receive a fee rather than risk losing him without compensation when his deal expires.

The negotiations with Al Jazira are understood to be progressing positively. Their progress has been helped by Goztepe’s interest in Richard Akonnor, the UAE club’s defender. Akonnor’s situation has added another connection between the two clubs as they discuss Dennis.

A move to the Middle East could provide Dennis with a substantially improved contract compared with his current terms at Goztepe. It would also represent a significant change in direction for a player who has attracted attention from clubs in Belgium and Germany.

Dennis’ possible transfer could have implications for his Nigeria ambitions. He is viewed as a Super Eagles target, but national team coach Eric Chelle is unlikely to prioritise players based in the Middle East while he has several midfield options available. The decision now rests on whether Al Jazira can complete the deal before the transfer window closes.