Sevilla revive bid for Nigeria striker George Ilenikhena from Al Ittihad

Sevilla have renewed their pursuit of 19-year-old Nigeria forward George Ilenikhena from Al Ittihad. The Spanish club are seeking a loan agreement that would include an option to make the transfer permanent.

The move has gained importance for Sevilla after Nigeria striker Akor Adams left for Italian Serie A side Venezia. Ilenikhena is viewed as a preferred addition to the attack and a stronger alternative to Isaac Romero and Robbie Ure.

Sevilla’s financial limitations make an immediate permanent transfer difficult, leading the club to focus on a temporary deal. Al Ittihad are willing to consider his departure, but their valuation for a permanent move has slowed negotiations.

That delay has allowed Real Betis to join the competition for the forward. Ilenikhena, however, favours Sevilla and is pressing for an agreement to be completed quickly so he can join the LaLiga club. He has not appeared in Al Ittihad’s recent pre-season matches.

Ilenikhena joined Al Ittihad from Monaco in January and has since agreed to represent Nigeria at senior international level. His possible move comes as his current club remain 17th in the Egyptian Premier League with 36 points from 13 matches, including three wins, seven draws and three defeats.

Al Ittihad’s latest five league fixtures have produced two victories, two draws and one loss. They drew 2-2 away to National Bank of Egypt in their most recent game, after a 3-0 win over Ismaily, a 1-0 defeat by Ghazl El Mehalla, a 1-0 victory against El Geish and a goalless draw at Coca-Cola. Their next fixture is away to Zamalek SC on August 21, 2026.