Sevilla have already lost Akor Adams this summer and could also part ways with Chidera Ejuke, but the Spanish club are still looking towards Nigeria as they push to bring George Ilenikhena back to European football, Footynaija.com reports.
The La Liga side have stepped up their efforts to sign the Al-Ittihad striker, with Ilenikhena now emerging as their preferred option to add another forward to Luis García Plaza’s squad. However, the move has hit a fresh problem after difficulties surrounding the Saudi club’s finances and the structure of the proposed deal.
Sevilla had been working on a loan deal for the 20-year-old, with an option to buy also being discussed. Ilenikhena is understood to be open to the move as he looks for a return to Europe after a difficult start to life in Saudi Arabia. But Al-Ittihad’s position has made the negotiations more complicated.
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According to reports, the Saudi club are looking for a permanent solution because of the major investment they made to sign Ilenikhena from Monaco. The striker joined Al-Ittihad for around €33 million in January, but he has struggled to establish himself since making the move.
Sevilla have already had two Nigerian attackers in their squad in Adams and Ejuke. Adams has now left after Sevilla agreed his permanent transfer to Venezia on July 22. The striker signed a contract with the Italian club until June 2030 after spending a year and a half in Spain.
His departure also left Sevilla needing another striker, with Spanish reports saying the club had to strengthen the position after losing one of their main sources of goals from last season.
Ejuke’s situation is different, but his future at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán is also uncertain.
The Nigerian winger has been told that he can look for another club as Sevilla work to reduce their squad and wage bill. He was left out of recent friendly squads, although he has continued to train with the group.
