Ilenikhena, Sevilla's target

Sevilla FC

The Sevilla already has another name on the table to bolster its attack. George Ilenikhena, the Franco-Nigerian striker 19-year-old and owned by Al-Ittihad, is the choice made by the sporting leadership to strengthen Luis García Plaza's squad.

Talks are progressing with the aim of securing a loan with an option to buy. Al-Ittihad would be willing to consider the deal, while the player also sees returning to Europe as a positive move just six months after arriving in Saudi football.

Ilenikhena arrived at Al-Ittihad from Mónaco, who had signed him after his spell in French football. The Saudi club paid around 33 million euros for his signing during the last January transfer window. Now, the forward is looking to regain his role in Europe.

More teams interested

The Sevilla have gained ground over other clubs interested, but the West Ham and Schalke 04 have also kept tabs on the situation. The Nervion proposal would be the one that most appeals to the player at this moment.

The club had considered other options for the forward line, including Enes Ünal and Marc Guiu, but both were moving away from the financial parameters set for this market. Ilenikhena offers a different profile: youth, room for growth, and a formula that would allow the Sevilla to avoid a major upfront outlay.

Sevilla's transfer activity has picked up pace in recent days, as the sales of Juanlu Sánchez and Djibril Sow have freed up financial room and made new deals easier. The departure of Joan Jordán to Estrela Amadora, also expected soon, could help even more to balance the books.

If Sevilla manage to complete the signing of Ilenikhena and also the midfielder Giorgi Kochorashvili, the club would reach eight signings in this window. The Al-Ittihad forward would also be a clear bet for the future.