Sevilla are yet to register Nigerian strikers Jerome Akor and Kelechi Iheanacho for the 2025–26 La Liga season as the club battles severe financial restrictions.
The Andalusian side have so far been able to register only 15 players, among them Super Eagles winger Chidera Ejuke, ahead of Sunday’s opening fixture away to Athletic Bilbao.
The issue stems from a drastic reduction in Sevilla’s wage allowance under La Liga’s financial control rules.
According to Belgian outlet Sporza, the club can spend a total of just €684,000 this season on salaries for all registered players, their head coach and assistants.
Akor Adams played 4 games in La Liga last termed after joining from Montpellier. Photo Credit: X
By comparison, champions Real Madrid have a salary cap of almost €755m. Espanyol, the club with the second-lowest limit, can spend just under €8m more than ten times Sevilla’s budget.
Iheanacho linked with Turkish move
The salary cap restrictions have heightened speculation over Iheanacho’s future, with Journalist Buch Laba reporting that several Turkish Süper Lig clubs including Besiktas have expressed interest in signing the 28-year-old.
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Iheanacho spent the second half of last season on loan at English Championship side Middlesbrough, scoring once and providing two assists.
Iheanacho bagged two assist to help defeat compatriot and Blackburn forward Emmanuel Dennis. Photo Credit: Imago
He returned to Sevilla for pre-season but may not feature in head coach Matias Almeyda’s plans.
Sevilla are believed to value the forward at €3m, a fee that would represent a profit after his free transfer from Leicester City in 2024.
The sale could free up wages to help register other players, including Akor.
Akor Adams struggled with muscle and hamstring injuries last season with Sevilla. Photo Credit: X
Should a deal materialise, Iheanacho would reunite with compatriot Wilfred Ndidi at Besiktas and join a growing list of Nigerian internationals in Turkey this summer, including Victor Osimhen, Paul Onuachu and Henry Onyekuru.
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If no permanent transfer is agreed, Sevilla could explore a loan move or attempt to reintegrate Iheanacho into the squad once their salary cap situation improves.
The club’s first league game is away to Athletic Bilbao on Sunday.
