Nigerian forward Uchenna Ogundu is on the brink of a major career step after reaching a preliminary agreement to join Turkish Super Lig side Alanyaspor on a five-year contract, Footynaija.com reports.
The 19-year-old, who impressed during a breakout spell with second-tier club Sanliurfaspor, is set to undergo a medical on Monday, June 23, before completing the move. Ogundu joined Sanliurfaspor in 2023 from Nigeria’s Diamond Academy and has quickly earned a reputation as one of Turkey’s rising young stars.
He made 19 appearances in the TFF 1st League last season, scoring six goals and registering two assists. His performances didn’t go unnoticed, with interest from top Super Lig sides including Fenerbahce and Samsunspor. European clubs such as Hull City, Sturm Graz, Fortuna Sittard and Polish side Gornik Zabrze also tracked the teenage talent.
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Scottish Premiership side Hearts were also among the suitors, having identified Ogundu through recruitment data specialists Jamestown Analytics, according to Edinburgh News.
However, the promising attacker has opted to remain in Turkey, where he feels settled and is expected to flourish further at top-flight level.
Alanyaspor view Ogundu as a long-term project and a future attacking focal point. Club officials are confident the Nigerian’s pace, agility and eye for goal will strengthen their frontline and contribute significantly from the 2025–26 season.
Alanyaspor, Şanlıurfaspor’da forma giyen 19 yaşındaki Nijeryalı forvet oyuncusu Uchenna Ogundu ile anlaşmaya vardı! pic.twitter.com/ATRZIa19PN
— Futbol Anadolu (@FutbolAnadolu) June 22, 2025
Born in 2006, Ogundu has impressed scouts with his maturity, positional intelligence and finishing. The forward is seen as a central figure in Alanyaspor’s youth-driven rebuild.
The move is expected to be formalised following the medical and final contract details, with fans already excited by the arrival of one of Nigeria’s most promising exports in recent years.
