Hull City and Burnley have entered the race to sign Nigerian striker George Ilenikhena as interest in the young forward intensifies ahead of the end of the summer transfer window.
The two English clubs have made enquiries about the conditions required to sign Ilenikhena, who has emerged as a potential target as they look to strengthen their attacking options.
Ilenikhena, 20, currently plays for Saudi Pro League side Al Ittihad after joining the club from Monaco earlier this year.
The Lagos born striker made history in December 2023 when he became the youngest player of Nigerian descent to score in the UEFA Champions League.
He was only 17 years and 119 days old when he found the net for Antwerp against Barcelona, announcing himself on the European stage with a memorable goal against one of the continent’s biggest clubs.
His move to Al Ittihad came during the 2025/26 campaign, when the Saudi club brought him in as a replacement for former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema.
Ilenikhena has now started the new campaign in impressive fashion, scoring three goals across his last two appearances.
The Nigerian forward found the net against Al Najmah in the King Cup of Champions before scoring again against Al Qadsiah in the Saudi Pro League.
That early run of form has reignited speculation over his future, with several European clubs keeping an eye on his situation.
Hull City and Burnley are understood to have shown particular interest, with both clubs assessing what would be required to bring the striker back to European football.
The English sides are not alone in the race. Sevilla, Bologna and Trabzonspor have also been linked with the former Monaco attacker during the summer window.
A move to England could provide another major opportunity to establish himself at a higher level after his impressive development in Belgium, France and Saudi Arabia.
Hull City have recently returned to the Premier League and are looking to strengthen their squad for the challenge of top flight football. Burnley, meanwhile, are also seeking attacking reinforcements as they pursue their own ambitions.
With the transfer window approaching its conclusion, Ilenikhena’s recent goalscoring form could make him an increasingly attractive option for clubs searching for a young striker with considerable room for development.
The next few days could therefore prove decisive for the Nigerian forward as Hull City and Burnley look to determine whether they can turn their interest into a formal move.
