Nigerian wonderkid Uchenna Ogundu is closing in on a move to Turkish Super Lig club Alanyaspor, having reached a verbal agreement on a five-year contract. The 19-year-old is expected to undergo a medical on Monday, June 23, before finalising the transfer from Şanlıurfaspor.
Ogundu has become one of the most talked-about teenage prospects in Turkish football after joining Şanlıurfaspor from Nigeria’s Diamond Academy last August. In just 19 appearances in the TFF First League, the striker scored six goals and added two assists, impressing with his pace, movement, and finishing ability.
His performances quickly attracted attention from top-flight clubs, with Fenerbahce and Samsunspor among the domestic suitors. European sides such as Hull City, Sturm Graz, Fortuna Sittard, and Górnik Zabrze also scouted the young talent. However, the strongest challenge came from Scottish Premiership club Hearts, who made an aggressive push for his signature using their analytics-driven scouting network.
Despite the interest from abroad, Ogundu chose to continue his development in Turkey. Alanyaspor’s vision for nurturing young talent and offering first-team opportunities reportedly influenced his decision to remain in the country.
Alanyaspor consider the Nigerian teenager a long-term attacking asset and are eager to integrate him into their senior squad for the 2025–2026 campaign. The club sees his signing as part of their broader youth-focused recruitment strategy.
Born in 2006, Ogundu is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most promising forwards in recent years. His intelligent movement, link-up play, and composure in front of goal have already set him apart in his debut professional season.
With only a medical and final paperwork remaining, Ogundu’s move is expected to be officially confirmed soon — much to the delight of Alanyaspor supporters and observers of emerging African talent.