Sports

Bologna plotting transfer for Super Eagles-eligible star who could replace Ola Aina

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Italian Serie A club ‎Bologna FC have expressed interest in signing Super Eagles-eligible defender Daniel Oyegoke from Hellas Verona this summer, Soccernet.ng reports.

Oyegoke is coming of a disappointing season with Verona last season. The 23-year-old defender joined the club from Scottish side Hearts last summer, and he quickly became a regular part of the team, featuring in 15 Serie A games. But he failed to help them avoid relegation.

But despite his dismal campaign, his displays have attracted Bologna, who are looking to bolster their squad so they can mount a better challenge in the Italian top-flight next season.

Daniel Oyegoke for Hellas Verona. (Photo credit: Imago)

According to Transfer Feed, Bologna and Verona have already started talks for Oyegoke, and the former have placed a €5 million price tag on him, even though he is valued at €1 million on Transfermarkt.

It is unknown whether the deal will go through, but Oyegoke will likely be happy to make the move, as it will afford him with an opportunity to continue playing top-flight football.

Who is Daniel Oyegoke and can he Play for Nigeria’s Super Eagles?

Daniel Oyegoke is a product of the Barnet and Arsenal academies but was unable to break into the first team. He began his professional career with Brentford in 2021.

Oyegoke Daniel Hellas Verona portrait during Bologna FC vs Hellas Verona FC, Italian soccer Serie A match in Bologna, Italy
Oyegoke Daniel Hellas Verona. Copyright: ImagoxIPAxSport/ABACAx

In 2024, Oyegoke moved to Hearts in the Scottish Premiership, and he left after just half a season to join Hellas Verona in 2025.

‎He was born to Nigerian parents in England which makes him eligible to play for both the Three Lions and the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

‎The 23-year-old has, however, represented England from U-16 to U-20 but is yet to play for the senior team. This means that he can still switch to the Super Eagles according to FIFA’s rules on player eligibility.

If he decides to switch to the Super Eagles, he will be a decent addition to the Super Eagles team, and could even be a good replacement for Ola Aina, who will be 30 years old in October.

Alex Iwobi x Ola Aina Super Eagles
UYO, NIGERIA – OCTOBER 8: Alex Iwobi and Ola Aina of Nigeria during a training section in preparation for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations AFCON qualifier match between Nigeria and Libya at Godwill Akpabio Stadium on October 8, 2024 in Uyo, Nigeria. Photo by Victor Ihechi. Copyright: xGOALSBYVICTOR_2024x

Oyegoke is very strong, has an impressive work rate, and can play across different positions at the back.