Reported by Weng Patrick Atokor | Journalist at WengGlobal
The countdown to the 2026/27 football season has officially begun for two of Nigeria’s biggest football stars, Victor Osimhen and Chidera Ejuke, as both players have reported back to their respective clubs for pre-season preparations amid growing uncertainty surrounding their futures.
While clubs across Europe intensify training ahead of another demanding campaign, the return of the Nigerian internationals has once again placed them at the centre of transfer discussions involving some of the continent’s biggest teams.
For Osimhen, attention remains firmly fixed on whether he will continue his career with Turkish champions Galatasaray following months of speculation linking him with several European and Middle Eastern clubs. Meanwhile, Ejuke has resumed training with Spanish side Sevilla despite persistent reports suggesting changes could be made to the club’s squad before the transfer window closes.
Osimhen Reports for Pre-Season Amid Galatasaray Questions
Victor Osimhen’s arrival for pre-season has attracted significant interest from football supporters across Europe, particularly as discussions over his long-term future continue.
The Super Eagles striker enjoyed another productive campaign, reinforcing his reputation as one of Europe’s most prolific forwards. His performances have continued to attract attention from elite clubs seeking attacking reinforcements ahead of the new season.
Although transfer rumours have linked the Nigerian international with clubs in England, Italy and Saudi Arabia, no official agreement has been confirmed regarding a permanent move.
By reporting for pre-season, Osimhen has demonstrated professionalism while allowing his representatives and club officials to continue handling negotiations behind the scenes.
Galatasaray supporters remain hopeful that the club can retain the striker after his outstanding impact during his spell in Turkey, where he became one of the league’s standout performers and played a significant role in the club’s domestic success.
Club officials are understood to be exploring options that could enable the Turkish champions to keep the Nigerian forward despite strong competition from financially powerful clubs across Europe and the Middle East.
For now, Osimhen’s immediate focus appears to be preparing physically for the new campaign while awaiting clarity over his future.
Galatasaray Continue Planning for New Season
Pre-season represents one of the most important periods for any football club, providing coaches with an opportunity to assess fitness levels, integrate new players and implement tactical systems before competitive matches begin.
Galatasaray have already commenced preparations for another domestic title challenge while also targeting a stronger performance in European competitions.
The possible retention of Osimhen would significantly strengthen the club’s ambitions, although financial considerations remain central to any negotiations.
Club executives are expected to continue discussions in the coming weeks as the transfer market remains active across Europe.
Ejuke Returns to Sevilla
In Spain, Nigerian winger Chidera Ejuke has also resumed training with Sevilla ahead of the new La Liga season.
The former CSKA Moscow player joined Sevilla to strengthen their attacking options and has continued working towards establishing himself as a regular starter.
Despite experiencing injury setbacks during previous campaigns, Ejuke has remained determined to contribute more consistently for the Spanish club.
His return to pre-season training provides Sevilla’s coaching staff with another opportunity to assess his readiness ahead of the upcoming campaign.
The club is currently undergoing squad restructuring following managerial and administrative changes aimed at restoring Sevilla’s competitiveness in both domestic and European football.
Fresh Opportunity for Ejuke
Competition for attacking positions at Sevilla is expected to remain intense throughout pre-season.
For Ejuke, the coming weeks could prove decisive as he seeks to convince the coaching staff that he deserves a more prominent role in the squad.
His pace, creativity and dribbling ability have long been recognised as major strengths, but consistent fitness and regular playing opportunities will be essential if he hopes to become a key figure for the Andalusian club.
Transfer speculation has also surrounded several Sevilla players this summer, although Ejuke currently remains part of the club’s preparations.
Unless a formal offer materialises before the transfer deadline, the Nigerian international is expected to continue working towards earning regular minutes in La Liga.
Positive Development for Super Eagles
The return of both Osimhen and Ejuke to full pre-season preparations represents encouraging news for Nigeria’s national team coaching staff.
Maintaining match fitness during the off-season remains essential as the Super Eagles prepare for upcoming international fixtures, including qualification matches and major continental competitions.
Osimhen remains Nigeria’s leading attacking figure, while Ejuke provides additional creativity and pace on the wings when fully fit.
Regular club football will be critical for both players as Nigeria continues preparations for future international assignments.
Transfer Window Still Open
The European summer transfer window remains active, meaning the situations surrounding both Nigerian stars could still change before the new season officially begins.
For Osimhen, negotiations involving several interested clubs are expected to continue, with financial terms likely to determine his eventual destination.
Ejuke’s future also remains subject to Sevilla’s squad planning and any potential offers that may emerge before the transfer deadline.
Until official announcements are made, both players are expected to participate fully in pre-season activities with their current clubs.
Professional Commitment
Regardless of ongoing speculation, the decision by both Nigerian internationals to report for pre-season reflects their professionalism and commitment to their contractual responsibilities.
Modern football increasingly sees transfer negotiations continue alongside normal training schedules, allowing players to maintain peak fitness while clubs finalise decisions regarding their futures.
As preparations intensify across Europe’s major leagues, supporters will closely monitor developments involving two of Nigeria’s most recognisable football exports.
Whether they remain with their current clubs or complete high-profile transfers later this summer, Victor Osimhen and Chidera Ejuke are expected to play significant roles during the 2026/27 season.
With weeks still remaining before the close of the transfer window, attention will remain fixed on both players as clubs across Europe continue reshaping their squads for another highly competitive campaign.
Sources
BBC Sport
Sky Sports
Reuters
ESPN
Fabrizio Romano
Galatasaray SK (official club channels)
Sevilla FC (official club channels)
