Super Eagles winger Chidera Ejuke looks increasingly likely to leave Sevilla during the 2026 summer transfer window, with the Spanish club already lining up a replacement from Germany.
Sevilla have identified Bayern Munich winger Bryan Zaragoza as the man to fill the gap left by Ejuke’s expected departure. Ejuke, whose contract runs until June 2027, is one of several players the club is willing to sell as part of a major squad overhaul, alongside compatriot Akor Adams, who is closing in on a move to Venezia.
The Nigerian international has struggled to nail down a regular starting spot since arriving in Spain. Over the past two seasons, he has often been used from the bench and has not produced the level of goals and assists expected of an attacking winger. Consequently, Sevilla’s hierarchy have decided the time is right to move him on.
However, this isn’t purely a football decision. Sevilla want to reduce their wage bill and generate transfer income to help reshape the squad, and selling Ejuke now would also avoid the risk of his market value dropping further before the final year of his contract. He is valued at around €4 million.
Despite the club’s plans to sell him, Ejuke reported early for pre-season medical tests after cutting short his holiday, while his representatives continue talks over a possible move. His situation has attracted plenty of interest across Europe, with Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen believed to be leading the race, while Fulham, newly promoted Sunderland, Leeds United and clubs in Saudi Arabia have also been credited with interest.
As preparations continue for Ejuke’s departure, Sevilla have stepped up their interest in Zaragoza, who spent last season on loan at AS Roma. The Spanish international is understood to have made Sevilla his preferred destination despite interest from elsewhere, although the two clubs are still working out the structure of the deal.
Bayern would prefer to sell Zaragoza permanently as they continue trimming their squad and wage bill, whereas Sevilla are pushing for a season-long loan with an option to buy. Reports suggest Bayern are even willing to cover part of his salary to get the move over the line. Sevilla see the 24-year-old as an ideal like-for-like replacement because of his pace, dribbling and attacking style, qualities that fit the team’s plans under the new coaching setup.
Nonetheless, the transfer has not yet been completed, as Sevilla are carefully reviewing Zaragoza’s medical records. He missed more than two months last season due to serious knee inflammation and struggled for regular playing time during his loan spell in Italy, meaning the club wants full assurance over his fitness before making a formal offer. Sevilla also face competition from fellow La Liga sides Deportivo Alavés, who have reportedly held the most advanced talks with Bayern, and Espanyol, who remain ready to move if the Sevilla negotiations break down.
Ejuke’s likely exit continues a summer of upheaval for Nigerian players at Sevilla, following closely on the heels of Akor Adams’ expected switch to Venezia. Since joining the club, the winger has found consistent playing time hard to come by, and a fresh start elsewhere in the Bundesliga or Premier League could offer him a better platform heading into the new season and, by extension, a stronger case for a regular place in the Super Eagles setup.
With Sevilla prioritising Zaragoza’s medical clearance and fending off competition from Alavés and Espanyol, the coming days will be pivotal. Should the move progress, Ejuke’s own departure is expected to follow soon after, with Bayer Leverkusen the frontrunners to secure his signature as Sevilla push through what looks set to be a busy summer of change.
