Sevilla move could reshape Al-Ittihad attack as George Ilenikhena attracts interest

Sevilla have stepped up their pursuit of Al-Ittihad striker George Ilenikhena before the transfer window closes, a move that could have significant consequences for both the Nigerian forward and Youssef En-Nesyri’s position in the Saudi club’s attack.

Ilenikhena joined Al-Ittihad from Monaco in January for a fee of about €33m, but has struggled to secure regular opportunities since arriving. His limited playing time has prompted interest from Sevilla, who are looking to add another striker to their squad this summer.

Negotiations over a possible loan move to the Spanish club had already reached an advanced stage, according to Spanish television programme El Chiringuito. Ilenikhena is understood to be keen on a move to the Andalusian side, but the deal has been held up by financial complications connected to his previous transfer to Al-Ittihad.

Those issues have made the Saudi club more cautious about allowing the 19-year-old to leave. The situation has become even more complicated after Ilenikhena scored twice for Al-Ittihad recently, giving the club’s management further reason to reconsider whether a temporary departure would be in their best interests.

His latest performances have suggested that he can provide a genuine attacking threat if given the opportunity. That improvement has strengthened his position as Al-Ittihad weigh up whether to retain him and offer him a more prominent role, rather than proceed with the loan arrangement initially discussed with Sevilla.

Sevilla remain interested in signing Ilenikhena, but their own financial limitations are making the transfer difficult to complete. Reports indicate that the move is no longer as straightforward as it appeared only a few days ago, with both the financial complications and the striker’s recent form changing the balance of the negotiations.

A successful move to Sevilla would create more room for En-Nesyri at Al-Ittihad. The Morocco international faces strong competition for the centre-forward position, and Ilenikhena’s presence gives the coaching staff a young attacking option with the pace and movement to run in behind opposing defences.

Ilenikhena’s possible departure would therefore represent more than a young player’s loan move to Europe. It could alter the shape of Al-Ittihad’s forward line and determine how much responsibility is placed on En-Nesyri during the remainder of the campaign.

Al-Ittihad must now decide whether to keep what has been described as the “Nigerian tank” and give him a greater chance to establish himself, or allow him to join Sevilla and create a clearer path for En-Nesyri to become one of the team’s leading attacking options.

Sevilla, meanwhile, continue to wait for a breakthrough that would allow them to complete the deal before the transfer market closes.