Super Eagles transfer watch: Osimhen and Ndidi face late moves

Victor Osimhen is at the centre of the late-window transfer picture involving Nigeria’s Super Eagles, but he is not the only international whose club future remains unsettled. Wilfred Ndidi, Chidera Ejuke, Joe Aribo, Emmanuel Fernandez, Zaidu Sanusi, Azeez and Otele are also linked with possible moves before the window closes. Their situations range from advanced negotiations and rejected bids to free agency and uncertainty over whether their current clubs still want to sell.

Osimhen remains the most significant name on the list. The 27-year-old striker only recently completed a permanent move to Galatasaray, yet his scoring record continues to attract major European interest. Arsenal have emerged as the strongest late-window suitor, with talks reportedly held with the Turkish champions. A transfer would still require agreement on both the fee and the player’s salary, which is understood to be one of the main obstacles. Galatasaray are also reluctant to lose their leading forward so soon after securing him permanently.

The Osimhen situation therefore depends on several conditions coming together quickly. Arsenal must decide whether to meet Galatasaray’s valuation, while the Turkish club would have to accept losing a player it considers central to its plans. The striker’s recent permanent arrival adds another layer to negotiations, since Galatasaray are not under the same pressure to sell as a club approaching the end of a contract. With the deadline close, his future could become the defining Nigerian story of the window.

Ndidi’s position is less advanced but also involves a possible move away from Turkey. The defensive midfielder joined Beşiktaş from Leicester City in 2025 and could leave after one season. Saudi Arabian interest has been reported from Al-Ittihad, with Al Diriyah also linked. Beşiktaş have placed a significant valuation on the Nigeria international, so a deal would depend on an offer capable of changing the club’s position. Unlike Sanusi, Ndidi is not described as being in the final year of his contract, giving Beşiktaş more leverage in any negotiation.

Ejuke has already experienced a failed transfer this summer. Anderlecht were strongly linked with the Sevilla winger and reportedly submitted a €3.5 million offer, but the move collapsed after the parties could not agree on salary demands. Ejuke then returned to Sevilla and scored in the club’s 3-1 victory over Athletic Bilbao. Sevilla remain willing to consider his departure, although his contribution in that match and his strong start to the campaign could make the club less eager to complete a sale. A move remains possible, but the winger’s position has changed since the Belgian proposal fell apart.

Aribo is operating under different rules because he is already a free agent. He spent the second half of last season on loan at Leicester City from Southampton, but his Southampton contract expired at the end of June. He can therefore join a new club without a transfer fee, and in some leagues he may still register after the main window closes, depending on local regulations. His Premier League, Scottish Premiership and international experience make him an available midfield option for clubs that need depth without negotiating a fee with Southampton.

Rangers must make a major decision over Fernandez, whose value has risen during his time in Scotland. The 24-year-old centre-back is under contract until 2029, giving Rangers a strong negotiating position. Bayer Leverkusen are among the clubs monitoring him, while Premier League interest has also been reported. His market value is listed at €18 million, a figure that reflects his growing profile but does not itself determine the fee Rangers would accept. The long contract means the Scottish club can retain him rather than sell under deadline pressure, unless an offer matches its valuation.

Sanusi’s situation is more urgent because his Porto contract enters its final year. Al Qadisiah have emerged as a possible destination, and discussions are reportedly taking place. Porto are said to be open to selling the left-back for about €10 million after more than six years at the club. Talks over a new contract have stalled, particularly over salary demands, leaving Porto to weigh an immediate transfer against the risk of losing him for nothing next summer. That combination of an interested club, an asking price and a short remaining contract makes Sanusi one of the clearest possible Nigerian exits.

Azeez is attracting attention after a productive 2025/26 Championship season with Millwall. The winger scored 11 goals and supplied seven assists in 35 league starts, drawing interest from Brighton, Hull City and other clubs. Hull are reportedly leading the chase, while Brighton and Wrexham have also been linked with the 25-year-old. Millwall’s contract protection is significant because Azeez is tied to the club until 2028. Reports have placed the asking price as high as €30 million, while a hamstring injury is expected to keep him out until early September and could affect the timing of any move.

Otele is another player with a concrete Saudi proposal on the table. Al-Fateh made an offer for the Basel winger, but Basel rejected a €3 million bid and are demanding a fixed fee of €4 million. The difference is narrower than in the Azeez or Osimhen cases, but an agreement still requires the clubs to settle the structure and value of the transfer. Across the Super Eagles group, the remaining days will be shaped by those details: salary demands, club valuations, contract length, fitness and whether current teams decide that the immediate fee is worth giving up an established player.