Akor Adams: Nigeria striker set for €23m Venezia move as Sevilla rebuild gathers pace

Super Eagles striker Akor Adams is poised to complete a move to Serie A side Venezia in a deal that could be worth up to €23m, handing financially strained Sevilla a major transfer windfall.

The 26-year-old forward is expected to travel to Venice on Tuesday to undergo a medical and finalise a long-term contract with the Italian club, who are newly promoted to Serie A.

Venezia have already agreed terms with Sevilla for the Nigeria international, with the transfer structured at an initial €17m fee and a further €6m available in performance-related add-ons.

Adams only joined Sevilla from French Ligue 1 club Montpellier in January 2025, but an eye-catching debut campaign in Spain has prompted Venezia to move decisively for his services.

Venezia land proven goalscorer

Adams enjoyed an impressive first half-season in La Liga, registering 10 goals and three assists in 32 league appearances for Sevilla.

His form quickly established him as a key attacking outlet for Los Rojiblancos and enhanced his reputation as a powerful, direct centre-forward capable of operating at the highest level in European football.

Venezia, returning to the Italian top flight, have targeted Adams as a marquee signing to spearhead their attack and bolster their chances of survival in Serie A.

The club have been rebuilding their squad with younger, resaleable talents, and Adams’ age profile, international experience with Nigeria and recent goal record fit squarely within that strategy.

He will complete routine medical examinations on arrival in Italy before signing what is understood to be a multi-year contract.

Sevilla banking on sale to fund overhaul

For Sevilla, Adams’ departure forms a crucial part of a wider sporting and financial restructuring following several turbulent seasons on and off the pitch.

The fee they receive for the Nigerian forward is expected to provide a significant injection of funds as the Andalusian side seek to reshape their squad and stabilise their finances.

The income from the Venezia deal will be used both to ease pressure on the wage bill and to support targeted recruitment in several positions, with attack identified as a particular priority.

Head coach Luis Garcia Plaza and sporting director Jose Ignacio Navarro have been working on a revised sporting model that places greater emphasis on financial sustainability, squad balance and long-term planning.

Replacement search already under way

Sevilla have already begun exploring a range of attacking options across multiple leagues to fill the void left by Adams.

The club are assessing forwards who match their updated recruitment criteria, focusing on players who can be acquired on manageable terms while still offering the potential to develop – and, in time, to generate future transfer income.

Adams’ exit will also free up space in the squad for new arrivals and allow Garcia Plaza to reshape his forward line in line with his tactical preferences.

While Sevilla are losing a forward who made a rapid impact in his short spell in Spain, the deal with Venezia aligns with their broader objective of rebuilding a competitive side within a tighter financial framework.

Adams, meanwhile, will embark on a new chapter in Italy, carrying the expectations of Venezia’s return to the top tier and the hopes of Nigerian fans eager to see another Super Eagles striker make his mark in Serie A.