Transfer: 2020 Super Eagles invitee wanted in Germany

Udinese defender Kingsley Ehizibue could be on his way back to Germany two years after arriving in Italy to test Serie A waters, Soccernet.ng reports.

Born in Germany but raised in the Netherlands, Ehizibue spent the first 27 years of his life in those two European nations.

However, after three years at Cologne, the former PEC Zwolle right-back signed a four-year contract with Udinese Calcio in August 2022 for €1.50 million.

During that time, Ehizibue has made 50 appearances in the Italian Serie A, scoring two goals and providing an assist.

However, the 29-year-old full-back could be set for a return to Germany this summer.

According to Tutto Udinese, Bundesliga clubs are eyeing Ehizibue with the former Netherlands youth international open to switching from Italy to Germany.

Valued at €2.20 million, Ehizibue’s current contract with Udinese will not expire until June 2026.

Interestingly, while Ehizibue’s club career has been eventful, his international career has yet to kick off.

The former FC Koln defender made one appearance for the Netherlands U21 national team in 2016 but through his parents, he remained eligible to play for Nigeria.

His wait for an international callup seemed to end in March 2020 when the then Super Eagles head coach Gernot Rohr invited him ahead of Nigeria’s crucial AFCON qualifiers against the Sierra Leone national team.

However, the breakout of the coronavirus pandemic halted Ehizibue’s progress and he has not been called up since then.

Bright Osayi-Samuel’s rise to prominence as also not helped Ehizibue’s cause. The Fenerbahce defender is now seen as the number-one backup to Nottingham Forest star Ola Aina in the Super Eagles’ right-back position.