Why Trabzonspor’s Deal for Anthony Dennis Could Boost the Super Eagles' Chances

Anthony Dennis is reportedly close to a major career move after Trabzonspor submitted an official offer for the Nigerian midfielder, according to Afrik‑Foot.

The 21‑year‑old has emerged as a standout performer in Turkey’s Süper Lig after two impressive seasons with Göztepe, where he evolved from an academy prospect into one of the league’s most dependable defensive midfielders.

Sources in Turkey say Trabzonspor have formally begun negotiations with Göztepe for Dennis. The Izmir club’s owners, Sport Republic, are believed to value the player at around €7 million, reflecting both his rapid development and his importance to the team.

Dennis joined Göztepe from Nigeria’s HB Academy in 2023 and initially spent time adapting to European football through the club’s youth set‑up. His breakthrough came during the 2023/24 campaign when he helped Göztepe earn promotion back to the Turkish top flight.

Since then, the Kaduna‑born midfielder has become a key figure in the club’s midfield. In the 2025/26 Süper Lig season, he made 31 league appearances, scored three goals and logged 2,472 minutes of action.

His performances attracted interest from several European clubs. Bundesliga sides RB Leipzig, Union Berlin and Mainz have monitored him, while Villarreal, Anderlecht and Turkish rivals Beşiktaş have also been linked with the Nigerian. However, with no concrete bids arriving from those clubs this summer so far, Trabzonspor have positioned themselves strongly in the race for his signature.

Anthony Dennis: Why the move could boost his Super Eagles prospects

A transfer to Trabzonspor could significantly enhance Anthony Dennis’ chances of becoming a regular member of the Super Eagles squad under Eric Chelle.

Although his performances in Turkey earned him recognition and a first inclusion in a couple of Nigeria’s provisional rosters, he has struggled to break into major tournament squads. He missed selection for recent international assignments, including the Africa Cup of Nations squad and the Unity Cup.

One of the biggest reasons is the intense competition in Nigeria’s midfield. Established names such as Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka have continued to dominate the defensive midfield positions, leaving little room for newcomers.

A move to Trabzonspor would immediately place Dennis on a bigger stage. The Black Sea club regularly challenges for European qualification and competes under greater pressure than Göztepe. Weekly appearances in high‑profile league matches and potential UEFA competitions would give the midfielder greater visibility among Nigeria’s coaching staff.

The transfer could also help him develop aspects of his game required at international level. At Göztepe, Dennis has primarily operated as a ball‑winning midfielder tasked with protecting the defence. At Trabzonspor, he would likely be expected to contribute more in possession, improve his distribution and handle greater tactical responsibilities.

There is also an encouraging trend for Nigerian players at Trabzonspor. Every Nigerian currently associated with the club has earned at least one Super Eagles cap, a sign of the visibility that comes with playing for one of Turkey’s traditional powerhouses. A successful spell at Trabzonspor may be exactly what the former HB Academy star needs to move closer to becoming a permanent fixture in the Super Eagles squad.