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Vince Osuji cleared to feature for Tromsø against Brighton in Conference League
Vince Osuji has been granted permission to play for Tromsø in their UEFA Europa Conference League play-off match against Brighton and Hove Albion, removing uncertainty over whether the 20-year-old Nigerian defender would be available for his new club.
Osuji’s registration has been completed after he obtained the necessary residence permit, Tromsø confirmed. The Norwegian club said he can now be selected for the forthcoming matches against the Premier League side.
“Having completed the residence permit, he is already available to be called up for the upcoming UECL play off matches against Brighton & Hove Albion FC”, a statement from the club reads
The defender joined Tromsø from Belgian top-flight club Club Brugge, where he spent the past 18 months. He moved to Club Brugge from Swedish side Kalmar in January 2024 but did not make a senior league appearance for the Belgian club.
That lack of first-team football had been followed by uncertainty over whether the paperwork required for his move to Norway would be completed in time for the Conference League tie. Tromsø’s announcement confirmed that the relevant registration process has now been finalised.
Osuji was previously an international at youth level with Nigeria and is a former Nigeria Under-17 defender. His arrival at Tromsø represents a move away from Club Brugge, although the Belgian club will retain a financial interest in his future.
Tromsø also confirmed that Osuji has signed a contract running until the summer of 2030. The transfer was completed for a fee described as being almost nothing initially, with payments to Club Brugge linked to the player’s performances.
“The Belgian side will receive a small bonus based on appearances (less than €0.1M?) and the 15% of the net profit of the player’s future sale, through a sell-on clause”, the statement explained.
The arrangement means Club Brugge could receive further money if Osuji makes a certain number of appearances for Tromsø or is later sold for a profit. The Norwegian club did not provide any further detail beyond the appearance-related bonus and the 15% sell-on clause.
Osuji is therefore available for consideration when Tromsø face Brighton and Hove Albion in the UEFA Europa Conference League play-off match tomorrow. His clearance comes shortly after his move from Club Brugge and allows Tromsø to include him in their squad for the tie, subject to selection by the club’s coaching staff.
