Sevilla refuse to give up on French-Nigerian forward George Ilenikhena despite Al-Ittihad loan problem

Sevilla are refusing to abandon their pursuit of Super Eagles target George Ilenikhena despite a late complication threatening their attempt to bring the teenage striker back to European football.

The LaLiga side remain determined to complete a deal for the French-Nigerian forward before the summer transfer window closes, with sporting director José Ignacio Navarro continuing negotiations with Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad over a possible move.

Sevilla had made significant progress in their efforts to sign Ilenikhena on loan with an option to buy, but the proposed transfer has run into a financial obstacle in recent hours. The Spanish club now faces the task of finding a compromise with Al-Ittihad while time continues to run out.

With just 20 days remaining in the window, Navarro is working to reinforce an attack that has undergone major changes this summer. Sevilla have already brought in 22-year-old Scottish striker Robbie Ure from Swedish side IK Sirius on a contract until 2031, but coach Luis García Plaza wants another attacking option.

Ilenikhena has emerged as the club’s preferred candidate to join Ure and Isaac Romero, and Sevilla are yet to shift their focus elsewhere despite the latest setback.

Al-Ittihad’s finances threaten deal

The biggest obstacle is not believed to be the player’s willingness to make the move.

Ilenikhena is keen to return to European football only six months after leaving Monaco for Al-Ittihad. The Saudi club paid €33 million for the striker in February, but his short spell in the Middle East could now be followed by a return to Europe.

The 19-year-old is reportedly attracted by the opportunity to continue his development in LaLiga and considers Sevilla an appealing destination. His profile has also caught the attention of Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle, adding further interest around his next career move.

For Sevilla, there is a clear sporting argument behind the pursuit. Navarro has identified Ilenikhena as the priority addition to the attack, while García Plaza has also approved the move.

The complication stems from the financial arrangements surrounding Al-Ittihad’s original acquisition of the player.

According to ABC Sevilla, the entity that financed Al-Ittihad’s €33 million purchase from Monaco is no longer in favour of a straightforward loan arrangement that would provide little immediate financial return. Instead, there is a preference for receiving money from Ilenikhena’s departure, even if the amount is considerably below the initial transfer fee.

That position has complicated an agreement that had appeared close.

Sevilla still pushing

The two clubs continued discussions through Tuesday afternoon and evening as they attempted to find a structure that satisfies both sides.

Sevilla’s preferred solution remains a loan deal containing an option to buy, but Al-Ittihad’s financial demands have forced both parties to explore alternative arrangements.

The Andalusian club’s urgency is understandable given the changes to its forward line this summer.

Alexis Sánchez, Rafa Mir and Akor Adams have all left, while Neal Maupay has returned to Marseille. Adams’ departure is particularly significant after he scored 10 goals last season, leaving Sevilla needing to replace a sizeable portion of their attacking production.

Ure’s arrival has provided García Plaza with another option, while Romero is also expected to take on greater responsibility. The striker has inherited the No. 16 shirt previously worn by Juanlu, who moved to Bournemouth.

Sevilla nevertheless believe Ilenikhena can add another dimension to the attack and want the deal resolved quickly.

Ure could be in contention to make his debut against Rayo Vallecano in Sevilla’s opening LaLiga fixture this Saturday, but the club’s recruitment team remains focused on adding Ilenikhena to the squad.

Race against time

Despite the financial complication, Sevilla have not yet turned their attention to alternative targets.

That decision underlines the importance attached to Ilenikhena, with Navarro viewing him as the ideal addition and García Plaza backing the move.

However, the clock is now becoming a significant factor. If Sevilla and Al-Ittihad fail to resolve the financial disagreement soon, the Spanish club may have to activate other options already identified by its sporting department.

The possibility of another forward arriving later in the window could also depend on further departures and the amount of space Sevilla are able to create on their wage bill.

For now, though, the message from Sevilla remains clear: they are not ready to give up on Ilenikhena.

The club’s determination to complete the move could now hinge on whether it can satisfy Al-Ittihad’s demand for an immediate financial return while preserving the loan structure Sevilla initially wanted.