Sevilla omit Chidera Ejuke from pre-season as Nigerian winger edges towards exit

Sevilla have excluded Nigeria international Chidera Ejuke from their pre-season friendlies as the club move to accelerate a summer departure for the winger, who has one year left on his contract.

Ejuke is continuing to train with the Sevilla first-team squad, but Spanish outlet AS reports that he has not been selected for any of the club’s warm-up matches as negotiations over his future intensify.

The 28-year-old, who can leave on a free transfer next summer if no deal is reached, is attracting interest from several leagues, with clubs from Major League Soccer, Belgium and the Gulf region – including Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates – all linked with a move.

Sevilla signed Ejuke in the summer of 2024 on a free transfer after his contract with Russian Premier League side CSKA Moscow came to an end.

The Super Eagles winger, noted for his dribbling ability, made 27 appearances in all competitions for the Rojiblancos last season, contributing one goal and one assist in what was his first campaign with the Spanish club.

Squad reshaping under way

Ejuke’s situation comes as Sevilla continue to reshape their attacking options ahead of the new season.

The Nigerian is not the only compatriot to move towards the exit door, with fellow countryman Akor Adams already departing the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan this summer.

Adams has completed a transfer to newly promoted Serie A side Venezia, leaving Sevilla after securing a switch to Italy’s top flight.

Ejuke, who previously had a spell in Germany with Hertha Berlin, now faces a decisive period as Sevilla seek to secure a transfer fee rather than risk losing him for nothing when his current deal expires next year.

The club have not made a public statement on his omission from pre-season fixtures, but his continued involvement in training alongside first-team players underlines that the decision is linked to resolving his future rather than fitness or disciplinary issues.

Interest from abroad

While no specific clubs have been named, the range of leagues monitoring Ejuke underlines his international profile after stints in Russia, Germany and Spain.

AS reports that the winger’s market is expected to develop over the coming weeks, with teams from MLS, Belgium and the Gulf states exploring the possibility of signing him before the European transfer window closes.

Ejuke’s contract situation gives Sevilla a limited window to recoup value on a player they brought in without paying a transfer fee, a factor understood to be central to the club’s current stance on his involvement in competitive and friendly fixtures.

The Super Eagles player will remain with the squad in training while discussions over his next move continue, with Sevilla keen to reach a resolution before the start of the new season.