Olympique Marseille have reached an agreement with Belgian side Zulte Waregem for the transfer of Nigerian midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi in a deal reported to be worth €6 million. The move signals the Ligue 1 club’s intent to strengthen its midfield options with a young and emerging African talent.
Nnadi, 22, has impressed this season in the Belgian Pro League with a string of consistent performances for Zulte Waregem. Operating primarily as a defensive midfielder, he has made 18 league appearances this term, earning recognition for his composure, ball recovery, and positional discipline.
Marseille’s interest is understood to have intensified in recent weeks as the club assessed midfield reinforcements ahead of the second half of the season. The Nigerian’s profile as a mobile and tactically aware holding midfielder fits the French club’s recruitment strategy, which is focused on young, high-upside players.
Before his move to Belgium, Nnadi began his professional career in 2021 with Bulgarian club Botev Plovdiv, where he gained early European experience. His switch to Zulte Waregem in January 2024 marked a significant step up, and his development since then has drawn attention from scouts across Europe.
On the international stage, Nnadi first came into the spotlight during the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup, where he featured in all five matches for Nigeria, including notable victories over Italy and Argentina. His performances in that tournament enhanced his reputation as one of Nigeria’s most promising midfield prospects.
He was also part of the Super Eagles squad at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where he made one appearance. Although still early in his senior international career, the call-up underscored the national team’s belief in his potential.
For Marseille, the deal represents both an investment in youth and a strategic addition to their midfield depth. For Nnadi, a move to Ligue 1 offers a significant platform to continue his development at a higher competitive level while raising his profile on the European stage.
