Al Ittihad has signed an agreement with AS Monaco to transfer Nigerian striker George Ilenikhena for €33 million.

According to French journalist Fabrice Hawkins, both clubs have agreed on the fee, and personal terms are currently being negotiated between Al Ittihad and the player.

The 19-year-old is set to make a high-profile move from Ligue 1 to Saudi Arabia. Monaco’s approval of the bid reflects a high return on investment.

The Principality club paid €18.7 million for Ilenikhena from Royal Antwerp ahead of the 2023/24 season, and they are now likely to nearly quadruple that figure less than two seasons later.

Since arriving in France, the striker has scored 10 goals in 51 appearances across all competitions, establishing himself as one of the club’s most potential offensive alternatives despite his age. His performances have piqued the interest of various clubs throughout Europe. Ilenikhena is anticipated to join Al Ittihad as part of their forward planning, given the uncertainty surrounding Karim Benzema’s future at the club. The former Real Madrid striker is reportedly refusing to play because of an outstanding contract disagreement.

According to reports, Benzema rejected a potential deal with no fixed base income and a heavy reliance on image rights, prompting Al Ittihad to look for younger, long-term offensive options in the transfer market.

A lot of European clubs were keeping an eye on Ilenikhena before Al Ittihad made a definitive move.

Bundesliga clubs Bayer Leverkusen, Eintracht Frankfurt, and VfB Stuttgart, as well as Ligue 1 club Lille, have all expressed interest. Despite the interest, Monaco’s agreement with Al Ittihad puts the Saudi club in prime position to sign the striker, subject to the successful fulfilment of personal conditions.

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