With only a few hours remaining in the January transfer window, teams across Europe are eager to finalize their squads. Notable players such as Super Eagles vice-captain William Troost-Ekong, Yira Sor, and Ogenyi Onazi have already secured exciting moves this window. JOHNNY EDWARD examines some players who may still make deadline-day transfers.
Chuba Akpom of Middlesbrough has been at the center of transfer discussions, particularly regarding a potential £7 million move to Southampton. However, negotiations between the two clubs have stalled due to disagreements over the terms of the deal. Akpom, who is eager to join the Premier League, recently scored his 14th Championship goal of the season, helping Middlesbrough secure a victory that lifted them above Watford in the league standings. Additionally, Everton and Crystal Palace have shown interest in the English forward of Nigerian descent, who has expressed his desire to represent Nigeria at the senior level.
Paul Onuachu from Genk continues to attract attention as he is linked with a move away from the club for the seventh consecutive transfer window. Despite his impressive goal-scoring record, having been the leading scorer in Belgium two seasons ago and currently netting 16 goals in 19 league appearances, his future remains uncertain. Clubs such as West Ham, Eintracht Frankfurt, and Olympique Lyon are reportedly interested, although Genk has rejected a €12 million offer from West Ham. Onuachu is Genk’s second all-time top scorer, with 85 goals in 134 games.
Francis Uzoho, Nigeria’s most in-form goalkeeper according to Transfermarkt, may also switch clubs before the January deadline. He is considered a potential replacement for Stade de Reims’ Patrick Pentz, who is nearing a move to Major League Soccer’s Colorado Rapids. Uzoho has kept more clean sheets than any of his compatriots in Europe this season and is reportedly looking for a new opportunity as his current contract expires in the summer.
Josh Maja has seen his stock rise significantly following a strong performance in Ligue 2 with Bordeaux. The one-cap Nigeria international leads the scoring chart with 11 goals from 20 appearances and has attracted interest from Premier League club Fulham and Spanish side Real Valladolid. Maja, whose contract expires in the summer, is in discussions with Fulham, who are in need of cover for their top scorer, Aleksandar Mitrovic.
Maduka Okoye, currently at Watford, is expected to follow in the footsteps of William Troost-Ekong and leave the club this transfer window due to limited playing time. The Nigerian goalkeeper, who has been capped 16 times, has yet to make his Championship debut, although he has started in cup competitions. Reports suggest he may return to the Eredivisie or consider a move to Bundesliga 2.
Joe Aribo, after a promising start to his Premier League career with Southampton, has been linked with a departure from the club following a dip in form after the arrival of new manager Nathan Jones. Aribo initially made an impact by scoring in his first eight games but has not contributed to any goals since his last strike against Everton in October. He is rumored to be considering a loan move back to Glasgow Rangers due to a lack of regular playing time.
Finally, Bright Osayi-Samuel of Fenerbahce has attracted late interest from Premier League clubs Crystal Palace and Bournemouth. Following an impressive debut season in Turkey, Fenerbahce is demanding £12 million for the wing-back, whom they signed for €500,000 in January 2021. Reports indicate that Bournemouth plans to make another offer that includes bonuses. Osayi-Samuel is currently recovering from an injury sustained during a Turkish Cup match in December but has made 27 appearances in all competitions this season.
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