Anthony Dennis: Coventry City move could improve Göztepe star’s chances with the Super Eagles

Coventry City is close to securing the signature of Nigerian midfielder Anthony Dennis from Turkish side Göztepe as the summer transfer window heats up, Afrik‑Foot reports.

The newly promoted Premier League club, managed by former England midfielder Frank Lampard, has taken the lead over other suitors in the race for the 22‑year‑old. Sources say negotiations between the two clubs are in the final stages, with the parties now focusing on the exact financial terms of the deal.

Dennis has become a key central midfielder for Göztepe in Turkey after an impressive 2025/26 campaign in the Süper Lig. He featured in 31 matches, scored three goals, and proved himself one of the club’s most dependable midfield performers.

Nigeria and Goztepe midfielder Anthony Dennis. Copyright: xSeskimphotoxIMAGO

Interest in the Nigerian has also come from Turkish giants Trabzonspor and Beşiktaş, as well as clubs in Germany, but Coventry appears to be ahead in the competition.

Göztepe is reportedly asking for around €15 million for Dennis after recently earning a significant transfer profit from the sale of Brazilian forward Rômulo to RB Leipzig. Club officials believe Dennis could be their next lucrative departure.

Anthony Dennis: Premier League exposure could boost Super Eagles prospects

A move to Coventry City could markedly improve Dennis’s chances of becoming a regular in Eric Chelle’s Super Eagles squad.

Although he has received provisional invitations to the national team, he has yet to make his international debut or secure a place among Nigeria’s first‑choice midfielders. Consistent Premier League appearances would subject him to greater scrutiny and provide stronger evidence of his abilities against elite opposition.

Nigeria and Goztepe midfielder Anthony Dennis. Copyright: xSeskimphotoxIMAGO

Nigeria already fields experienced midfielders such as Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Tochukwu Nnadi and Raphael Onyedika. Breaking into that group requires consistent performances at the highest level, and the Premier League provides exactly that platform.

The visibility that comes with English football could also lift some of the limitations players often face when competing outside Europe’s top five leagues. Strong displays against leading clubs would put Dennis firmly on the radar of national team selectors.

Another factor that could work in Dennis’s favour is the possibility of playing alongside fellow Nigerian international Frank Onyeka at Coventry City.

Onyeka recently made his stay at the club permanent after helping them secure promotion from the Championship. If the pair develop a strong partnership in midfield, it could give Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle a ready‑made combination for international duty.

Nigeria and Goztepe midfielder Anthony Dennis. Copyright: xSeskimphotoxIMAGO

Lampard’s presence is another important element. Widely regarded as one of the Premier League’s greatest midfielders, the Coventry manager could help Dennis add more attacking qualities to his game while refining his passing, positioning and decision‑making.

Known primarily for his tackling, energy and ball‑winning ability, Dennis already possesses the defensive qualities needed at the highest level. Under Lampard’s guidance, he could develop into a more complete midfielder capable of influencing games at both ends of the pitch.

Dennis, who left Nigeria for Turkey in January 2023, is believed to be open to a move to the Premier League.