Monaco striker George Ilenikhena is set to join Al Ittihad for €33m, according to reports. The 19-year-old Nigerian forward has agreed to join the Saudi Arabian club, pending personal terms.
Ilenikhena joined Monaco from Royal Antwerp in July 2024 for €18.75m and has scored four goals in 20 appearances this season. Al Ittihad sees him as a potential replacement for Karim Benzema, who is expected to leave the club.
The deal would make Ilenikhena the most expensive Nigerian teenager, surpassing Kelechi Iheanacho’s €28m move to Leicester City in 2017.
Ilenikhena has scored 10 goals in 51 appearances for Monaco and has shown his ability to score important goals, including a winner against Barcelona in the Champions League.
If the deal is completed, Ilenikhena will become the first Nigerian player to join Al Ittihad and will link up with a squad that includes Steven Bergwijn and Moussa Diaby.
Al Ittihad is currently sixth in the Saudi Pro League and is looking to strengthen its attack.
Ilenikhena’s move would be a significant boost to Nigerian football, cementing his status as one of the country’s top young talents.
