Sevilla refuse to give up on Super Eagles target despite Al-Ittihad loan problem

Sevilla are pushing to sign George Ilenikhena before the transfer window closes, but their plan to bring the French-Nigerian striker back to European football has hit a fresh problem, Soccernet.ng reports.

With only 20 days left before the summer window shuts, Sevilla sporting director José Ignacio Navarro is working quickly to improve a forward line that lost several players during the summer. The club has already signed 22-year-old Scottish striker Robbie Ure from Swedish club IK Sirius on a contract running until 2031, but the Spaniards want another attacking option.

Ilenikhena has been identified as the preferred player to join Ure and Isaac Romero in Luis García Plaza's attack. Sevilla had been working with Al-Ittihad on a loan deal with an option to buy, and talks had moved close to an agreement. However, the transfer has become much harder in the last few hours because of Al-Ittihad's financial situation.

Super Eagles target George Ilenikhena. Photo by IMAGO

Sevilla still pushing for Ilenikhena deal

The main problem is not the player's desire to move. Ilenikhena is keen to return to European football just six months after leaving Monaco for Al-Ittihad, where the Saudi club paid €33 million for him in February.

The 19-year-old, who is on the radar of Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle, wants the chance to play in LaLiga and sees Seville as an attractive destination. The Spanish club also believes he fits its plans, with Navarro making him the first choice to strengthen the attack.

The difficulty comes from the financial side of the deal. The entity that financed Al-Ittihad's €33m purchase from Monaco no longer favour a simple loan to Sevilla. It would prefer to receive money from the striker's move, even if the payment is much lower than the original transfer fee.

That has forced the La Liga club and Al-Ittihad to examine different ways of completing the transfer. Both clubs continued talks through Tuesday afternoon and evening in an effort to remove the problem. Sevilla's preference is still a loan with a purchase option, but the Saudi side wants a financial return from the deal, according to ABC Sevilla.

Nigeria forward George Ilenikhena. Photo by IMAGO

The timing is important for Sevilla. The club lost Alexis Sánchez, Rafa Mir and Akor Adams during the summer, while Neal Maupay returned to Marseille. Adams scored 10 goals last season, and replacing that production has become a major part of Sevilla's plans ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.

Ure's arrival gives García Plaza another option, while Isaac Romero is also expected to play an important role after taking the No. 16 shirt previously worn by Juanlu, who joined Bournemouth.

Sevilla want Ilenikhena in place as soon as possible, with Ure potentially in line to make his debut against Rayo Vallecano in the opening LaLiga game this Saturday. The club is not yet turning to other targets because Ilenikhena is the striker Navarro wants and García Plaza has approved the move.

However, time is becoming a factor. If Sevilla cannot find a solution with Al-Ittihad soon, the club could turn to other attacking options already identified by its sporting department. Another forward could also arrive later in the window if departures create enough room on the wage bill.