Marseille Agree €6m Deal to Sign Nigerian Midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi
French Ligue 1 club Olympique Marseille have reached an agreement to sign Nigerian midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi from Belgian side Zulte Waregem for a fee of €6 million.
Reports from France, including Foot Mercato, say Marseille, Zulte Waregem and the player have all agreed on personal and transfer terms. The deal is expected to be officially confirmed on the final day of the winter transfer window.
Nnadi, who is 22, is expected to arrive in Marseille within hours to complete the move. The transfer will rank as the fourth-highest sale in Zulte Waregem’s history.
The fee is close to what RC Strasbourg paid for Senegalese midfielder Pape Demba Diop last summer, a deal believed to be worth around €7.5 million.
The Nigerian international has been one of Zulte Waregem’s best performers this season. He joined the club from Bulgarian side Botev Plovdiv in January 2024 and quickly became a key figure in midfield. His current contract with the Belgian club runs until 2028.
So far this season, Nnadi has started 16 league matches and played an important role as Zulte Waregem, who were recently promoted, aim to secure their place in Belgium’s top division.
Born in Ihiagwa, Imo State, Nnadi’s career has progressed steadily. He developed in Nigeria before moving abroad, with spells in Dubai and Bulgaria. His time at Botev Plovdiv marked his breakthrough in European football, while his move to Belgium helped raise his profile further.
His impressive form earned him a surprise call-up to Nigeria’s squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. He made his senior international debut in a 3–1 group-stage victory over Uganda.
Although he played limited minutes at the tournament, his selection was seen as a clear sign of his rapid development and helped increase interest from top clubs.
Several Premier League sides, including West Ham, Newcastle United, Crystal Palace, Brighton and Leeds United, are said to have followed his progress. Clubs in Germany and Spain are also believed to be monitoring the midfielder closely.
