Former Super Eagles defender Ifeanyi Udeze has voiced his disapproval of Akor Adams’ decision to leave Sevilla for newly promoted Serie A side Venezia, even as he wished the striker well in his new adventure. The comments come just days after Adams completed one of the biggest moves of his career, joining the Italian club in a deal that could eventually be worth over €23 million.
Speaking on Brila FM, as reported Udeze did not hold back on his feelings about the transfer, saying plainly,
“I don’t like the move from Sevilla to Venezia.”
He was quick to add, however, that the decision was ultimately Adams’ own to make, conceding it was the player’s career and shoes to wear, before closing with well-wishes for his former teammate. The former international’s comments echo a wider debate around the move, with reactions elsewhere in the Nigerian football community similarly mixed over whether the switch represents genuine ambition or a step down in profile.
Adams completed a permanent transfer from Sevilla to Venezia in a deal believed to be worth around €17 million, with performance-related bonuses potentially pushing the total value close to €23.5 million.
As a result, the 25-year-old becomes the most expensive signing in Venezia’s history, having put pen to paper on a contract that runs until June 2030. For Sevilla, meanwhile, the sale nets the club a healthy financial profit after accounting for salary and initial purchase costs, offering breathing room under La Liga’s financial regulations following Adams’ 37 appearances and 10 goals for the Andalusian side.
Despite the scepticism from some quarters, Adams has been unequivocal about his reasons for making the move. He explained that he was drawn by what he described as an extraordinary project being built at Venezia and said he wanted to help write a new chapter in the club’s history. He further praised the passion and energy of the Venezia faithful, revealing that watching match footage of their consistent backing left a lasting impression on him even before his arrival.
Venezia head coach Giovanni Stroppa has also welcomed the signing, describing Adams as an important figure capable of giving the team a significant boost in attack as the club prepares for its return to Serie A. Notably, Adams marked his official unveiling by wearing traditional Nigerian attire, a gesture that was warmly received by fans back home.
The switch keeps Adams’ progression in Europe on an upward trajectory, following spells in Norway, France, and Spain since beginning his professional career at Sogndal IL in 2018. However, Udeze’s comments reflect a broader concern among some Nigerian football observers about whether a move to a newly promoted Serie A side, rather than a more established club, is the right step at this stage of Adams’ career.
Since establishing himself in the Super Eagles setup, Adams has featured prominently for Nigeria, and his form and playing time in Italy will be closely monitored ahead of the country’s continued push in international qualifiers.
Adams is now expected to settle into life in Venice ahead of Venezia’s return to Serie A, with the club having already signalled that strengthening the defence remains its next priority in the transfer market.
The coming months will offer the clearest indication yet of whether his gamble on Venezia’s project pays off, both for his club career and his continued involvement with the Super Eagles.
