Super Eagles watch: Key reason Coventry-linked Anthony Dennis is out of Goztepe’s preseason

Nigerian midfielder Anthony Dennis is possibly preparing for the biggest transfer of his career but he has barely featured for Goztepe during preseason, Afrik-Foot reports.

The 22-year-old defensive midfielder enjoyed a breakthrough 2025-26 Turkish Super Lig season, making 31 league appearances and scoring three goals. His performances have attracted interest from clubs across England, Germany, Turkey, Spain and Belgium, turning him into a valuable asset for Goztepe.

With Dennis’ contract due to expire in June 2027, Goztepe are under pressure to make a decision. Talks over a new deal have made little progress, making a summer transfer the most likely outcome rather than risking losing him for a reduced fee later.

The Turkish club are valuing the Nigerian at between €7 million and €8 million, in line with his current Transfermarkt value. They have already rejected an opening €3.5 million offer from Trabzonspor, showing they are prepared to wait for a higher bid.

Premier League newcomers Coventry City remain among the strongest contenders for his signature. Reports in Turkey claim club chairman Rasmus Ankersen has travelled to the United Kingdom to help push negotiations forward after Coventry’s initial €4 million bid plus add-ons failed to meet Goztepe’s demands.

The race, however, stretches well beyond England. Bundesliga clubs RB Leipzig, Eintracht Frankfurt, Union Berlin and Mainz 05 have all been linked with Dennis, while Galatasaray, Besiktas and Trabzonspor want to keep him in Turkey. Villarreal and Anderlecht are also monitoring the Super Eagles midfielder after his impressive campaign.

Rather than risking an injury that could damage a major transfer, Goztepe manager Stanimir Stoilov has carefully managed Dennis’ workload throughout preseason.

The Nigerian has not started any of the club’s last five friendly matches and has been used only sparingly whenever he has been available. His limited involvement has raised eyebrows but club sources insist the decision is aimed at protecting both the player and the club’s transfer plans.

Dennis was an unused substitute during Goztepe’s friendly against Gorica on July 13 before being left out of the matchday squad completely against LNZ Cherkasy on July 16 and Zorya Luhansk on July 23.

His absence is not believed to be injury-related. Instead, it points to Goztepe’s determination to keep one of their prized assets fit while negotiations continue behind the scenes.

Any serious injury at this stage could reduce his market value or even delay a move, so the Turkish side are taking no unnecessary risks.