The 2025 summer transfer window was a busy one for Nigerian players, with big-money moves, fresh starts, and opportunities across Europe and beyond. From transfers in the top five leagues to quiet switches designed to reignite or slowly wind down careers, it was a window that had a bit of everything. Here’s the lowdown.
At the top of the pile was Victor Osimhen’s transfer to Galatasaray from Napoli, a €75m move that became the most expensive in Turkish football history. The Super Eagles striker had long been linked with a move to the Premier League, but Galatasaray pulled off a surprise to retain Osimhen’s services after he spent last season on loan.
He wasn’t the only high-profile Super Eagle to make a move. Wilfred Ndidi, relegated with Leicester City last season, opted for a fresh start in Turkey as well, signing with Beşiktaş for €9.5m
In France, Moses Simon ended a six-year spell at Nantes to join newly promoted Paris FC in a €7 million deal, bringing veteran Ligue 1 experience. He already has two goals and an assist for his new club.
Victor Boniface completed a late loan move from Bayer Leverkusen to Werder Bremen after a move to AC Milan fell through.
Meanwhile, in England, Tolu Arokodare secured a £24m transfer to Wolves from Gent, one of the major financial moves for Nigerian players. Another Nigerian, Christantus Uche, also moved to the Premier League, transferring to Crystal Palace on loan from Getafe with a mandatory buy option. Samuel Chukwueze, out of favour at AC Milan, also made a Premier League move to Fulham, arriving on an initial loan with an option to buy for €25m.
Gift Orban left Hoffenheim to join Hellas Verona on loan, while Cyriel Dessers departed Rangers to join Panathinaikos for €4.2 million.
Not every deal went smoothly; Kelechi Iheanacho parted ways with Sevilla on deadline day, but he has today signed a one-year deal with Celtic.
On the women’s side, Nigerian players also made moves.
Rasheedat Ajibade secured one of the standout moves of the summer, joining Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer after leaving Atlético Madrid, penning a contract through June 2027.
Rinsola Babajide joined Roma on a free transfer after leaving Tenerife, and Chiamaka Nnadozie joined Brighton & Hove Albion on a free transfer after leaving Paris FC.
Asisat Oshoala ended her short stint with Bay FC and has moved to Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal
It’s been a decent window for Nigerian players, and now that movements are sorted, it’s time for them to settle in and make us proud, because we’ll be cheering.
