Trabzonspor bid €15m for Nigeria striker George Ilenikhena

Turkish Super Lig side Trabzonspor have reportedly made a €15 million offer for Nigeria striker George Ilenikhena as the 20-year-old seeks a return to European football from Al-Ittihad.

According to French outlet Foot Mercato, Trabzonspor have submitted a proposal that includes a loan deal with a €15m purchase option for the highly rated forward.

However, Al-Ittihad are said to be demanding €20m for Ilenikhena, with the Saudi Arabian club also seeking a significant initial payment as part of any agreement.

Ilenikhena moved to Al-Ittihad after emerging as one of Europe’s promising young forwards but has struggled to secure regular playing time in Saudi Arabia.

His limited opportunities have reportedly increased his desire to return to Europe, with Trabzonspor now exploring a deal to take him to Turkey.

Spanish club Sevilla have also reportedly expressed interest, with a verbal proposal understood to be worth around €10m plus €3m in bonuses, alongside a significant percentage of any future sale.

Ilenikhena, who stands at 1.85m, recently scored twice in an hour-long appearance against Al-Najma in the King’s Cup, but his lack of consistent minutes remains a major factor behind his desire for a move.