Why have Super Eagles players not signed pre-contracts ahead January transfer window?

The January transfer window is upon us and after the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar the attention shifts towards players and managers' movements across clubs. 

The festive period also marks the return of the leagues across Europe and other parts of the world. 

There have been some transfer-related news linking some players to European clubs like Christopher Nkunku and David Datro Fofana. 

France international Nkunku is said to have agreed personal terms with the Blues and will depart RB Leipzig for Chelsea next summer. 

Fofana has reportedly completed all medical tests on Thursday in London and Chelsea are expected to unveil the Ivorian as their new signing from Norwegian side Molde for €12m fee.

It is believed that personal terms are fully agreed on a long term contract.  

Cristiano Ronaldo has been linked with a transfer to Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr on a seven-year contract in January. 

Arsenal are favourites to sign Ukrainian forward Mykhailo Mudryk while Atletico Madrid striker Matheus Cunha is on his way to Wolverhampton Wanderers on a six-month loan with an obligation to buy. 

So why has no Nigerian player been in this category of players receiving the attention of clubs before business opens on January 1?

Victor Osimhen is said to be a target of Manchester United as a likely replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo but the Napoli striker has made it clear he is not jumping ship next month. 

The reason for the lack of transfer activity regarding some of Nigeria's finest players is possibly as a result of the Nigerian players being on the books of modest clubs in Europe and also the inability of their agents to negotiate good deals for them. 

Nigeria's failure to qualify for the 2022 World Cup also has something to do with the situation as the most outstanding players could have been in demand by their sheer (personal or team) success in Qatar. 

Osimhen's purported move to United seems a pipe dream with the Red Devils a doubt for the 2023/2024 UEFA Champions League albeit money has a huge role to play in that. 

Samuel Chukwueze is said to have received the interest of Aston Villa but nothing more has advanced in that regard. 

Allnigeriasoccer.com is of the opinion that such agreements like those taking Nkunku, Cunha and Fofana to new pastures are unlikely and will not be applicable to the Nigerian players until the window effectively opens. 

Izuchukwu Michael
 

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