The summer transfer window is always an exciting time for football fans as clubs across Europe scramble to secure their targets.
For some Nigerian football stars, however, this window brought more frustration than jubilation, as their much-anticipated moves failed to materialize.
Soccernet.ng, therefore, looks at five Nigerian players who had disappointing transfer windows after a failed move.
Gift Orban (Gent)
Gift Orban had been making waves in Europe, particularly with his goal-scoring prowess. A move to Tottenham Hotspur seemed like a game-changer, especially with Harry Kane’s departure.
However, despite Spurs’ search for a Kane replacement, the €30 million price tag on Orban proved too steep, leaving the winger at Gent.
Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City)
The Super Eagles star, who was named Leicester City’s player of the season despite their relegation to the Championship league, found himself linked with a move to several clubs like Wolverhampton Wanderers, Crystal Palace, Besiktas JK, Everton, and Nottingham Forest, but had a failed move away from the King Power stadium this summer.
Joe Aribo (Southampton)
Following an outstanding performance with Glasgow Rangers, Aribo transferred to Saint Mary’s Stadium during the 2022 summer transfer window. However, his time with the Saints was not all that great. He was linked with a way out to start over during the summer transfer window after being linked to join Galatasaray, but the move fell through.
Emmanuel Dennis (Forest)
Emmanuel Dennis found himself out of favour at Nottingham Forest and was eager to secure a move away. Serie A clubs Atalanta and Udinese were linked to the winger, but a transfer failed to materialize, leaving Dennis in a challenging situation.
Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City)
The Nigerian defensive Midfielder found themselves amid transfer rumours as the window neared its end. Ndidi was linked with Bayern Munich, Liverpool, and a host of other clubs. But, despite the speculations, the midfielder will remain at Leicester City.
David Okereke (Cremonese)
David Okereke, a top scorer for Cremonese in Serie A last season, was hoping for a move to Besiktas and Cagliari. However, the Turkish giants, who also pursued Kelechi Iheanacho, couldn’t finalize the deal, leaving Okereke with Cremonese.
Paul Onuachu (Southampton)
Following Southampton’s relegation to the Championship, Paul Onuachu was expected to secure a move to a new club with Metz and his former club, KRC Genk, interested in signing him. However, the summer transfer window ended without any deals materializing for the talented Nigerian attacker, leaving him in England’s second division.
These Nigerian football stars will have to refocus on their current clubs and strive to make the most of their opportunities in the upcoming season.
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