James Igbekeme is being linked with a move from Wisła Kraków to top-flight side Arka Gdynia, according to transfer listings in Poland.
The 30-year-old defensive midfielder, currently valued at €250,000, is the subject of speculation over a switch from the Betclic 1 Liga to the Ekstraklasa. Data from Transfermarkt flags the interest as a rumour, with the probability of the transfer still listed as unknown (“?”), underlining that talks, if any, remain at an early stage.
Igbekeme’s contractual situation at Wisła is unclear, with no expiry date recorded, raising the possibility that he could become a free agent, which would make a deal more straightforward for Arka. Any move would offer the Lagos-born midfielder a return to top-tier football, having spent the recent period in Poland’s second division.
The Nigerian left-footer, who wears the No 12 shirt at Wisła, has built a career as a combative presence at the base of midfield. Standing at 1.70m, he is noted in the data as a specialist in the defensive midfield role, providing cover in front of the back line rather than operating further forward.
Igbekeme has already amassed experience across several European leagues. After early years in Portugal with Ribeirão 1968 FC, AD Oliveirense and Gil Vicente, he moved to Spain’s Real Zaragoza, where his market value peaked at €2.5m in 2019. A loan spell with MLS side Columbus Crew followed before he returned to Europe, then on to SD Ponferradina and back to Wisła Kraków. His valuation has since stabilised at €250k during his latest stint in Poland.
If Arka Gdynia decide to formalise their interest, a move to the Ekstraklasa could offer Igbekeme a chance to re-establish himself at a higher level and shape the next chapter of a career that has already taken in Portugal, Spain, the United States and Poland.
