Nigerian stars light up Europe as transfer window slams shut

The January 2026 transfer window has slammed shut, capping one of the most prolific winter periods for Nigerian footballers in recent memory.

From blockbuster moves in La Liga to strategic loans and long-term investments in emerging talents, Nigerian players once again dominated headlines as clubs across Europe and beyond scrambled to reinforce their squads before the deadline.

Here is a curated list of Nigerian players who sealed notable January transfer moves:

Ademola Lookman (Atalanta to Atlético Madrid)

The headline move of the window is Lookman’s €40m switch to Diego Simeone’s Atlético Madrid side, where he signed a long-term deal until 2030.

Fresh from his brilliant performance at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where his goals and assists helped Nigeria claim a bronze medal.

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Read Also: Ademola Lookman finally completes big-money switch to Atletico Madrid 

Terem Moffi (OGC Nice to FC Porto)

Porto landed a major coup by signing the powerful Nigerian striker on loan, with an €8m option to buy. Moffi will look to translate his Ligue 1 form to the Primeira Liga and Champions League stage.

Read Also: Super Eagles striker Terem Moffi completes loan move to Porto

Frank Onyeka (Brentford to Coventry City)

In search of regular minutes, the versatile Nigerian midfielder, fresh from delivering Nigeria a third-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), joined Championship promotion chasers Coventry City on loan. The deal includes an obligation to buy should the Sky Blues secure Premier League promotion.

Sadiq Umar (Real Sociedad to Valencia)

After a difficult spell in San Sebastián, the towering forward sealed a permanent return to familiar territory. Sadiq signed with Valencia until 2028, aiming to rediscover his prolific La Liga form.

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Tochukwu Nnadi (Zulte Waregem to Marseille)

One of the window’s most intriguing under-the-radar deals. Marseille beat off competition to sign the highly rated 22-year-old Nigerian midfielder in a €6m transfer deal.

Rafiu Durosinmi (Viktoria Plzeň to Pisa)

Italian side Pisa shattered their club transfer record with an €11m move for the 23-year-old striker, who opted for Serie B despite Premier League interest.

Sani Suleiman (AS Trenčín to RB Leipzig)

The 19-year-old wonderkid joined Bundesliga talent factory RB Leipzig in a deal potentially worth €6m, signing a contract until 2031.

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Victor Moses (Free Agent to Luton Town)

The experienced winger returned to English football, joining Luton Town. With over 550 professional appearances, Moses adds leadership and depth to the Hatters’ promotion push.

Salim Fago Lawal (NK Istra to Viktoria Plzeň)

Former Flying Eagles forward Salim Fago Lawal joined Czech champions Viktoria Plzeň on a three-and-a-half-year contract.
The 23-year-old striker scored 15 goals last season for NK Istra 1961 and will wear the No. 70 shirt.

Philip Otele (FC Basel to Hamburger SV)

The versatile winger joined Hamburg on loan for €1.5m, with a €4.5m option to buy. Otele scored 18 goals in Switzerland last season.

Uchenna Ogundu (Alanyaspor to FC Augsburg)

Augsburg invested heavily in the 19-year-old striker, paying an initial €4.5m, rising to €6.5m, for a long-term contract running until 2031.

Ehije Ukaki (Botev Plovdiv to Sheffield United)

The pacey winger moved to Bramall Lane on a three-year deal and is expected to inject speed and directness into Sheffield United’s attack.

Chibuike Nwaiwu (Wolfsberger AC to Trabzonspor)

Rewarded for his consistency in Austria, the 22-year-old centre-back completed a four-year move to Turkish Super Lig side Trabzonspor.

Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba (Aston Villa to West Brom)

In a sentimental homecoming, the 19-year-old attacking midfielder returned to West Brom on loan. Fresh from scoring his first senior Champions League goal with Villa, he will seek regular first-team football at The Hawthorns.