Icardi left the Turkish Super Lig champions after the expiration of his contract, bringing an end to a successful four-year stint with the club. The 33-year-old striker enjoyed a remarkable spell at RAMS Park, winning four league titles with the Yellow and Reds.

Osimhen, who served as Galatasaray’s vice-captain last season, is now widely expected to inherit the captain’s armband ahead of the new campaign. The Nigerian striker played a crucial role in Okan Buruk’s team securing consecutive league triumphs and is set to become one of the club’s key figures on and off the pitch.

Meanwhile, Super Falcons defender Shukurat Oladipo has extended her stay with Italian champions AS Roma after signing a new three-year contract that will keep her at the club until 2030.

AS Roma confirmed the agreement, praising the young defender’s contributions since joining the team in February 2025. Oladipo made 32 appearances during her debut period and played an important role in Roma’s Serie A and Coppa Italia successes during the 2025/26 season.

The 21-year-old, who joined the Italian giants from FC Robo Queens, was also recognised as the Best Defender in the Italian Women’s League after an outstanding campaign. She has been named in Nigeria’s squad for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

In another development, Galatasaray have strengthened their squad with the signing of Nigerian-born midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu from Burnley.

The 22-year-old midfielder joins the Turkish champions on a season-long loan deal with an option for a permanent transfer. Ugochukwu moved to Burnley from Chelsea last summer after previously spending time on loan at Southampton during the 2024/25 season.

He made 35 league appearances for Burnley last term, recording three goals and two assists. The midfielder began his professional career at French club Stade Rennes, where he featured 60 times before moving to England.

Elsewhere, Swedish club IFK Göteborg have completed the signing of Nigerian midfielder Ifeoluwa Olowoporoku from Triple 44 Football Academy.

The highly-rated teenager has signed a three-year deal with the 18-time Swedish champions, with the club viewing him as a long-term investment. Football director Jesper Jansson described Olowoporoku as a talented young player with the potential to develop into a first-team regular in the future.

French side Stade de Reims have also secured the services of Nigerian midfielder John Otomewo from Israeli club Hapoel Jerusalem.

The 19-year-old signed a long-term contract running until 2031 and will join compatriot Hafiz Ibrahim at the French club. Otomewo expressed his excitement over the move, saying he hopes to continue developing while helping Reims achieve their ambitions.

The midfielder began his career with Abia Comets before moving to Gombe United, where his impressive performances earned him a move to Hapoel Jerusalem. He quickly established himself as a regular starter in Israel before securing his latest European transfer.

Meanwhile, Ikorodu City midfielder Aderemi Adeoye is reportedly close to joining English Championship side Middlesbrough.

The 19-year-old is currently undergoing trials with the club as he seeks to complete a summer transfer. Adeoye joined Ikorodu City in January and quickly became a first-team regular, earning a place in Nigeria’s squad for the Unity Cup, where he made two substitute appearances for the Super Eagles.

If the deal is completed, Adeoye will become the latest Nigerian player to represent Middlesbrough, following in the footsteps of notable names such as Yakubu, John Obi Mikel, Kenneth Omeruo and Kelechi Iheanacho.

The wave of transfers highlights the growing influence of Nigerian footballers across Europe, with established stars and emerging talents continuing to make significant strides on the global stage.