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Brighton and Nottingham Forest have registered early interest in Atalanta’s 17-year-old defender Honest Ahanor, whose rapid rise in Italy has made him one of Europe’s most-watched teenage prospects, Footynaija.com reports.
Ahanor joined Atalanta from Genoa in the summer and has quickly established himself as part of the first team picture in Bergamo. He has made seven Serie A appearances so far this season and featured three times in the Champions League, including matches against Marseille, Paris Saint-Germain and Club Brugge.
Sport Witness have now revealed that both Brighton and Forest have made preliminary enquiries, though discussions remain at an early stage and no negotiations are underway.
Atalanta are understood to value the player at around €40m, double the fee they paid for him, and are unwilling to consider any approach below that figure.
The most valuable U17s in World football by Transfermarkt:
— Football Talent Scout – Jacek Kulig (@FTalentScout) October 11, 2025
Honest Ahanor 20M€
Ibrahim Mbaye 15M€
Rio Ngumoha 10M€
Francesco Camarda 10M€
Jeremy Monga 8M€
Oskar Pietuszewski 8M€
Jorthy Mokio 8M€
Nathan De Cat 7M€
TOP talents. pic.twitter.com/ExoJOw85XH
Ahanor’s progress has accelerated sharply in recent months, with Transfermarkt now valuing him at €20m, making him Nigeria’s most valuable footballer under the age of 20. Chelsea attempted to sign him earlier in the year but were unable to move before Atalanta completed the deal.
17 Year-old Ahanor Honest Vs Juventus | 25/26 Serie A. pic.twitter.com/WB0sT1mV9l
— Sarms (@Sarms07) September 28, 2025
The teenager, who was born in Campania to Nigerian parents and raised entirely in Italy, remains eligible only for Nigeria due to current citizenship laws. His versatility – capable of playing at left-back, left centre-back or left midfield – has further strengthened interest from clubs across Europe.
Brighton and Forest are expected to continue monitoring his progress ahead of the next transfer window.
