Vince Osuji: Nigerian talent once on the radar of Chelsea joins Belgian champions Club Brugge

Swedish outlet Barometern reports that Club Brugge have finalised the signing of highly-rated Nigerian teenager Vince Osuji from Kalmar FF for a reported fee of €3 million.

Once officially announced, the deal will mark Osuji as the Belgian champions’ first acquisition of the winter transfer window.

The 18-year-old centre-back, who had drawn interest from top European clubs like Chelsea and Ajax, is expected to initially join Club NXT, Brugge’s developmental squad.

240915 Kalmars Vince Osuji, Allsvenskan Kalmar och Värnamo den 15 september 2024 i Kalmar. Osuji before the football match in the Allsvenskan between Kalmar and Värnamo on September 15, 2024 in Kalmar. Photo by IMAGO
Osuji made his senior debut for Kalmar last season and quickly stood out despite the team’s struggles in the Allsvenskan. He featured in 15 league matches, scoring once, and also made an appearance in the Swedish Cup.

Unfortunately, Kalmar endured a challenging campaign, ending their 21-year stint in Sweden’s top flight with relegation.

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The Nigerian’s rise from local football to one of the most prestigious leagues in Europe has been remarkable.

  Malmö FFs Hugo Bolin and Kalmars Vince Osuji during the football match in Allsvenskan between Kalmar and Malmö FF on August 24, 2024 in Kalmar. Photo by IMAGO
About two years ago, Vince Osuji was playing for Nigerian Football Academy Cardinal before joining Kalmar in 2023. His performances in Sweden caught the attention of clubs across Europe, including KRC Genk, Ajax, and Chelsea.

A proposed summer move to Genk was derailed by visa issues, but Club Brugge have now successfully secured his signature after he passed a routine medical.

Vince Osuji, a former member of Nigeria’s U17 squad under coach Fatai Amoo, was also on the radar of French side Reims.

However, Reims were unable to meet Kalmar’s asking price and instead signed Malcolm Jeng, leaving Brugge clear to finalise the transfer.

If completed, Osuji’s move will make him Kalmar’s most expensive defensive sale, surpassing Danish right-back Jacob Trenskow’s €1.5 million transfer to AZ Alkmaar in 2012.

He will also rank among the club’s all-time record sales, behind Ari Ferreira’s €5 million transfer to AZ Alkmaar in 2007 and on par with Rasmus Elm’s €3 million move to the same club in 2009.

Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele

Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele turns into a ball of passion when writing about Nigerian football and its talents, whether rising stars or established legends, locally and abroad.

From the deepest corners of the Middle East, to the green fields of the Americas, to the celebrated grounds in Europe, and the rich soils of Africa, Imhons is more than glad, usually with a glass of a tasty drink nearby, to capture the essence of the game, by connecting the dots between culture, identity, and football.