June 21, (THEWILL) – Nigerian forward, Anthony Nwakaeme, is set to join Saudi Arabian Premier League team, Al Ittihad, bringing an end to his successful four-year career with Trabzonspor and 12-year sojourn in Europe.
Nwakaeme recently helped Trabzonspor to its first Super Lig title in over four decades. As the Black Sea Storms defeated all of Turkey’s top teams to win the league, the 33-year-old contributed the most goal contribution of any Trabzonspor player with 13 goals and 10 assists.
However, despite his hero status among Trabzonspor fans, Nwakaeme and Trabzonspor were unable to agree on a contract extension, as the club failed to satisfy the attacker’s demands. Rival sides Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe and Başakşehir, were all connected with a transfer for the one-cap Nigeria international, but none of the three clubs were able to reach an agreement.
Saudi Arabia’s Al Ittihad stepped in and took the striker. Nwakaeme was offered a two-year deal with an option for a third year at a salary of €4.5m per year by the current joint leaders of the Pro League.
In the Saudi League, Nwakaeme will join Al Hilal’s Super Eagles talisman and former Manchester United loanee, Odion Ighalo, who leads the Saudi league in goals scored with 22 for Al Hilal and Al Shabab combined.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
