Belgian giants Anderlecht have joined the growing list of top European clubs vying for the signature of rising Nigerian midfielder Anthony Dennis.
The 21-year-old has been making waves in the Turkish Super Lig with Göztepe, and his impressive performances have caught the attention of scouts from clubs across the Premier League, Bundesliga, and Ligue 1.
Dennis enjoyed a breakthrough season with Göztepe, featuring in 32 of the team’s 36 league matches and helping the newly promoted side to an impressive 8th-place finish. His tireless work rate, defensive discipline, and ability to retain possession under pressure have marked him out as one of the most exciting young midfielders in Europe. He also registered three assists and was one of the standout U21 stars in a competitive Turkish top flight.
Anderlecht scouts have monitored Dennis extensively throughout the season, consistently filing positive reports. According to Turkish journalist Orcun Akten, the interest from Brussels is “serious.” However, securing a deal may prove difficult, as Dennis is under contract until mid-2027 and currently carries a career-high market valuation of around €4 million.
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Despite their ambition in the transfer market, Anderlecht may need to move players on or shelve other midfield targets to create room for Dennis. Sporting director Olivier Renard has already overseen three signings this summer, and Canadian youngster Nathan Saliba is reportedly close to joining, potentially complicating any move for the Nigerian.
Anthony Dennis( photo credit: The Athletic Images)
Dennis is viewed as a long-term successor to Wilfred Ndidi in the Super Eagles set-up under head coach Eric Chelle, who holds the youngster in high regard. His inclusion in Nigeria’s provisional squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in March is a testament to his growing reputation on the international scene.
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The transfer remains speculative for now, but with the window open and European interest intensifying, Anthony Dennis could soon be on the move to greener pastures. With his impressive performances and growing reputation, Dennis is certainly a player to watch in the transfer market. As the summer transfer window heats up, it will be interesting to see which club can secure his signature and harness his potential.
