French Ligue 1 side Olympique Marseille have reached an agreement to sign Nigeria midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi from Belgian club Zulte Waregem for a fee of €6m ( ₦10 billion).
According to reports from France, including Foot Mercato, Marseille, Zulte Waregem and the player have agreed terms, with the transfer expected to be officially announced on the final day of the winter transfer window.
Nnadi, 22, is expected to arrive in Marseille within hours to complete the move, which will make him the fourth-most expensive sale in Zulte Waregem’s history.
Nnadi in action for Zulte Waregem. Photo Credit: Imago
The deal is comparable to the transfer of Senegal midfielder Pape Demba Diop, who joined RC Strasbourg last summer for around €7.5m.
The Nigerian international has been one of the standout performers at Zulte Waregem this season, establishing himself as a key figure in midfield after joining the club from Bulgarian side Botev Plovdiv in January 2024. His contract with the Belgian club runs until 2028.
Nnadi has started 16 league matches this campaign, playing a central role as the newly promoted side look to consolidate their place in Belgium’s top flight.
Photo Credit: Imago
Born in Ihiagwa, Imo State, Nnadi’s rise has been gradual. He developed in Nigeria before spells in Dubai and Bulgaria, where he made his European breakthrough with Botev Plovdiv. His move to Belgium provided the platform for further growth.
READ MORE:hosting-or-helping-south-africa-explains-its-role-in-2026-wafcon-talks
His progress earned him a surprise call-up to Nigeria’s squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where he made his senior international debut in a 3-1 group-stage win over Uganda.
Nnadi played his first ever AFCON match in Morocco. Photo Credit: Poojamedia
Although his minutes at the tournament were limited, his inclusion was widely seen as a strong endorsement of his development and has accelerated interest from abroad.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE ATHLETIC NG WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW!
Premier League clubs including West Ham, Newcastle United, Crystal Palace, Brighton and Leeds United are understood to have monitored his situation, with teams in Germany and Spain also tracking his progress.
