Super Eagles midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi is edging closer to a landmark move to Olympique Marseille, with the French club reaching an agreement with Belgian side Zulte Waregem for his transfer, Footynaija.com reports.
Multiple sources in France and Belgium indicate that the 22-year-old is expected to arrive in Marseille on Monday morning to complete the final stages of the deal, which would see him become the club’s first Nigerian player in 15 years.
Nnadi has enjoyed a rapid rise over the past year, emerging as one of the standout performers at Zulte Waregem since joining the club in January 2024. His consistent displays in midfield not only raised his profile in Europe but also earned him a call-up to the Nigerian national team, where he featured in the Super Eagles squad for the Africa Cup of Nations.
According to journalist Sacha Tavolieri, the transfer is set to earn Zulte Waregem a fee of around €6m, a significant return for a player whose market value is currently estimated at €2m by Transfermarkt. Nnadi still has several years remaining on his contract, which runs until 2028.
Marseille’s pursuit of the Nigerian international is part of a broader plan to strengthen their midfield options ahead of the new season. The Ligue 1 side are also believed to be monitoring Nantes midfielder Himad Abdelli as they look to add depth and energy to their squad.
Should the move be completed, Nnadi will become only the fifth Nigerian to play for Marseille, following Victor Agali, Wilson Oruma, Joseph Yobo and Taye Taiwo. Taiwo remains the most successful Nigerian in the club’s history, having made 271 appearances and scored 25 goals between 2005 and 2011.
For Nnadi, the switch would represent both a personal milestone and a chance to write a new Nigerian chapter at the Stade Vélodrome.
