Philip Otele: Lecce eye move for Basel’s Nigerian winger in Serie A push

Nigeria winger Philip Otele of Basel is being linked with a move to Serie A side Lecce as the Italian club explore wide attacking reinforcements this summer. The 27-year-old left winger is under contract with the Swiss champions until June 2028, meaning any deal would likely require a significant fee from the Apulian club.

Otele has emerged as an influential figure at Basel, helping the club to a league and cup double in the 2024-25 campaign. In the Swiss Super League he has produced 14 goals and eight assists across 38 appearances, underlining the end product that has drawn interest from Italy. Lecce are monitoring players capable of operating from the left while cutting inside on their right foot, with Otele fitting that profile.

Basel signed Otele permanently from Al-Wahda in July 2025 for around €3m after an initial loan spell, having previously allowed him to join the UAE club on loan from Switzerland earlier in the 2024-25 season. His form in Europe has also added to his reputation, with goals in the Europa League for the Swiss side further highlighting his ability at a higher level.

The winger, born in Port Harcourt in April 1999, has built his career across several leagues, including productive spells in Romania’s SuperLiga where he finished as top scorer with 18 goals in the 2023-24 season. Basel, aware his current market value is listed at about €4m and that he remains tied to the club for another two years, are in a strong position should Lecce decide to turn their interest into a formal bid.