Soccer
Olympique Lyonnais have entered the race to sign highly rated Nigerian-born forward Eseosa Sule, with Premier League clubs Newcastle United, Brentford, and Bournemouth also showing strong interest, Soccernet.ng reports.
Sule, 19, is out of contract at West Bromwich Albion in June, making him one of the most sought-after free agents this summer.
Ligue 1 side Lyon, currently under a transfer restriction imposed by France’s financial watchdog DNCG, are targeting low-cost or out-of-contract players — and Sule fits the bill perfectly.
The former Celtic youth product has impressed during his time in England, especially this season with West Brom’s U21s, where he netted nine goals in his last 11 appearances across the Premier League 2 and the Premier League Cup. Overall, he has registered 19 goals in 61 games since joining the Baggies in January 2023.
Make it @PLYouth goals for Eseosa Sule this season. pic.twitter.com/Wc51QB7vBw
— West Bromwich Albion (@WBA) April 1, 2025
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Lyon’s scouting department has been tracking Sule closely, hoping their project in France can lure him abroad. The club believes the attacker’s pace, power, and eye for goal could add significant value to their rebuilding squad.
However, Lyon face stiff competition from Premier League sides Brentford and Bournemouth, as well as Championship outfit Blackburn Rovers, who have all been monitoring Sule’s development, according to Foot Africa.
West Brom are keen to keep hold of the striker and have been in talks to extend his contract, but negotiations are said to have stalled. With interest mounting across Europe, the Baggies could struggle to retain the Glasgow-born talent.
Sule first caught attention during his time at Celtic, where he spent a decade developing in the youth ranks before moving south of the border. His early performances for West Brom’s U18s included nine goals in the U18 Premier League South and standout performances at U21 level, including a memorable brace against Arsenal in a 3-0 victory.
He signed his first professional contract with West Brom on his 17th birthday in 2023, committing until June 2025. However, with his current deal expiring and no extension agreed, Sule could soon be making the next big step in his career — with top-flight football potentially on the horizon.
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.
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