by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 1, 2026 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Celtic’s winter transfer plans are heating up as the club looks to strengthen their attacking options before the deadline. With Martin O’Neill eager for reinforcements, the Hoops have already made two additions, but bolstering the forward line remains a top priority.
SC Freiburg striker Junior Adamu has emerged as the latest name linked with a potential loan move to Celtic. The club has already dipped into the Bundesliga market this window with the signing of Tomas Cvancara, prompting comparisons between the two forwards.
Adamu, a product of Red Bull Salzburg’s academy, was highly rated during his rise in Austria and expected to make a major impact in Germany, following in the footsteps of Karim Adeyemi. Cvancara, on the other hand, impressed at Sparta Prague before joining Borussia Mönchengladbach, though he did not attract the same hype.
When comparing their Bundesliga records, Cvancara has the edge. Despite playing the same number of games, the Czech striker has scored three more goals than Adamu. Their styles, however, differ significantly: Cvancara is strong playing with his back to goal, while Adamu thrives off runs behind the defence and pressing high up the pitch.
Adamu’s versatility gives him an advantage for Celtic, as he can also operate as a right winger—a position the Hoops are keen to strengthen. This flexibility allows the possibility of both forwards playing together or alternating roles depending on tactical needs.
If Celtic can finalize a deal for Adamu, the pairing could offer O’Neill more attacking options and help maintain their Scottish Premiership challenge.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 1, 2026 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Bundesliga side VfL Wolfsburg are considering a late move for Nigerian midfielder Raphael Onyedika ahead of Monday’s transfer deadline.
According to Sky Sport reporter Florian Plettenberg, Wolfsburg are actively exploring a deal to secure the signature of the 24-year-old defensive midfielder, who is currently on the books of Belgian champions Club Brugge.
Onyedika remains under contract with Club Brugge until 2027, and his strong performances have continued to attract interest across Europe. Plettenberg also revealed that the Nigerian international is on Eintracht Frankfurt’s shortlist for a potential summer transfer.
The midfielder has previously been linked with a move to Turkish Super Lig giants Galatasaray, further highlighting his growing reputation.
Despite the interest, Club Brugge are reportedly determined to keep Onyedika at least until the end of the season, making any potential deadline-day move a difficult one.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 1, 2026 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
German side Hamburg SV have reached an agreement to sign Nigerian winger Philip Otele on loan from Swiss club FC Basel for the remainder of the season.
According to Sky Sport transfer expert Florian Plettenberg, both clubs have finalized the terms of the deal, which includes an option for Hamburg to make the move permanent at the end of the campaign.
Otele is expected to undergo his medical examination today, with an official announcement set to follow shortly.
The 26-year-old has impressed since joining Basel from UAE outfit Al Wehda in January 2025, quickly establishing himself as a key attacking threat. He has recorded five goals and two assists in 20 league appearances this season.
Otele’s form had attracted interest from several European clubs, including Wolverhampton Wanderers, Fulham, Celtic and Lazio, before Hamburg moved swiftly to secure his signature.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 1, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Turkish Super Lig heavyweights Beşiktaş have rejected an approach from Dutch giants Ajax Amsterdam for Nigeria and Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi.
According to transfer expert Ben Jacobs, Ajax proposed a loan deal worth €2 million with an option to buy set at €12 million for the 29-year-old defensive midfielder. However, Beşiktaş were not convinced and turned down the offer.
Ndidi joined the Turkish side last summer from Sky Bet Championship club Leicester City and quickly established himself as a key figure in the squad. Just days after his arrival, he was handed the role of vice-captain, underlining his importance to the team.
Reports indicate that Beşiktaş had already rejected interest in Ndidi earlier in the transfer window, showing their determination to keep hold of the Nigerian star.
The midfielder is currently recovering from an injury sustained during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with the club closely monitoring his rehabilitation.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 1, 2026 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Tottenham Hotspur have officially announced the signing of highly rated Nigerian forward Elisha Sowunmi from Premier League rivals West Ham United in a deal whose details remain undisclosed.
The move ends Sowunmi’s decade-long association with the Hammers, having joined the club as a youngster and risen through the academy ranks. Known for his versatility in attack, the promising forward can operate on the wings or in an advanced midfield role as a number 10.
Sowunmi enjoyed an outstanding campaign with West Ham’s Under-18 side last season, finishing as the team’s top scorer. He registered memorable hat-tricks against Reading and Aston Villa and played a key role in the club’s Under-18 Premier League Cup triumph.
The transfer comes just six months after the youngster signed his first professional contract with West Ham United.
Speaking after completing the move, Sowunmi could not hide his excitement about joining Spurs.
“I’m really excited to be here. I know a lot about the club from playing against them over the years. It’s a great club with a lot of history, so I’m really, really excited to be here,” he said.
