Dutch-born Nigerian defender attracts interest from Belgian and Dutch clubs ahead of summer move

Endurance Alade. Photo – Bart krijnen

Dutch-born Nigerian defender Endurance Alade is in advanced talks over a summer transfer, with a second-division club in the Netherlands and a Belgian side both in negotiations to sign the 20-year-old centre-back, Soccernet.ng can exclusively reveal.

The move would represent a significant step up for Alade, who currently plays for Vitesse’s under-21 side, and could fast-track his path into Nigeria’s youth national team setup.

Sources close to the player have confirmed to Soccernet.ng that discussions are progressing well and that a decision on his next destination is expected before the end of the current season.

Soccer Transfer could open door to Super Eagles selection

The transfer is being viewed as a potentially decisive moment in Alade’s international career. A move to a competitive first-team environment in either the Dutch second tier or Belgian football would strengthen his case for a call-up to Nigeria’s U-23 squad or even the senior national team.

Alade has never hidden his desire to represent the Super Eagles. In an interview with Pulse Sports Nigeria last year, the Vlissingen-born defender was emphatic about where his international loyalties lie.

“My dream is to become an important defender for the Super Eagles of Nigeria and one day win the title of Africa’s Best Player,” Alade said. “I see myself playing at the highest level, continuously working hard, believing in myself, and achieving even greater success than I can imagine.”

He has previously stated that he would turn down a call-up from the Netherlands in favour of Nigeria, citing Jay-Jay Okocha and William Troost-Ekong as his role models.

Soccer Spijkenisse to Vitesse — and now beyond

Born in the Netherlands to Nigerian parents, Alade came through the youth academy at VV Spijkenisse before spells at MSV’71 and Excelsior Maassluis. He joined Vitesse’s under-21 squad on a performance-based contract in the summer of 2025 and has made a handful of competitive appearances, including captaining the side in a goalless draw against Heerenveen’s reserves.

While the step up to Vitesse provided exposure to a more professional environment, Alade’s camp believes a permanent first-team role at a club where he can play regular senior football is the next step needed to put him on the radar of Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle.

Soccer A familiar path for Nigerian football

Alade mirrors a well-worn route for players of Nigerian heritage developing in European lower leagues. Alex Iwobi, now a key figure for Nigeria, came through the English youth system before committing to the Super Eagles. Calvin Bassey made a similar journey through the Leicester City academy and Rangers before becoming a mainstay of the national team.

The NFF has faced criticism in recent years for failing to identify and recruit eligible players early enough, a point Alade himself has raised publicly. He previously called on the federation to follow Morocco’s model of actively engaging with diaspora players, pointing to the successful recruitment of Brahim Diaz as an example.

With ongoing negotiations and a move expected to be finalized in the coming weeks, Nigerian football fans will be watching closely. A successful transfer could be the catalyst that finally brings Endurance Alade into the Super Eagles conversation.

Ayomide Oguntimehin

Ayomide Oguntimehin is a CAF-accredited sports journalist and Chief Editor at Soccernet.ng. He has interviewed Super Eagles stars like William Troost-Ekong, Taiwo Awoniyi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, and Ademola Lookman, and is known for breaking major transfer stories.

Ayomide has worked with Sports Brief, Naija News and served as Social Lead Editor at Legit.ng. He has also featured on Goal, TVC News, Sports Mole, and Milan News24. He holds a Master’s degree and is currently pursuing a PhD. Follow Ayomide on X (formerly Twitter): @ayo_oguntimehin