Soccer
Super Eagles forward Tolu Arokodare may not be at Wolverhampton Wanderers by the time the new Championship season kicks off in August, Soccernet.ng reports
That is because Trabzonspor have become the first club to make an official offer for Super Eagles striker Tolu Arokodare this summer after submitting a loan bid to English side Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The Turkish Super Lig club have been linked with the Nigerian for several weeks, but reports now suggest they have taken the next step by officially approaching Wolves. According to Turkish journalist Zeki Uzundurukan, Trabzonspor have tabled a loan proposal as they look to strengthen their attack before the start of the new season.
Arokodare has attracted plenty of attention since Wolves were relegated from the Premier League at the end of last season. After spending eight straight years in England’s top flight, the Old Gold failed to avoid the drop and will now compete in the Championship.
The club are trying to rebuild quickly in the hope of earning immediate promotion back to the Premier League. Wolves have already brought experienced names such as Kieran Trippier and Raul Jimenez into the squad, although there has also been major change in the dugout. Rob Edwards left the club and was replaced by Portuguese coach Cesar Peixoto, who now faces the task of rebuilding the team.
Several Wolves players are reportedly considering moves away from Molineux rather than playing in England’s second division, and Arokodare is among the names attracting serious interest.
Trabzonspor are believed to see the 24-year-old Nigerian as a possible replacement for fellow Super Eagles striker Paul Onuachu if he leaves the club this summer. The Turkish side know the deal will not be straightforward because Arokodare remains under a long-term contract at Wolves.
The Nigerian joined Wolves from Belgian side Genk in the summer of 2025, signing a four-year contract with the option of an additional year. However, his first season in England was far from easy. He made 33 Premier League appearances but started only 13 matches, with the other 20 coming from the bench.
Soccer Arokodare: Besiktas and Fenerbahce still watching situation
Trabzonspor may have made the first official offer, but they are far from the only Turkish club interested in signing Arokodare.
Besiktas have been monitoring the striker for months and were previously reported to have enquired about a €15 million verbal offer, which Wolves rejected. The Istanbul giants have been eager to strengthen their attack following expected departures in their forward line.
Reports also claim Besiktas sought help from former Nigerian international Daniel Amokachi and Super Eagles midfielder Wilfred Ndidi to convince Arokodare that a move to Turkey would be the right step for his career. Galatasaray also reportedly asked Victor Osimhen to lure his compatriot to the Super Lig champions.
Fenerbahce have also entered the race as they continue searching for additional attacking options ahead of the new campaign. The club have been exploring the English transfer market and view the Nigerian as one of their leading targets.
Despite the growing interest, Wolves are understood to prefer a permanent transfer rather than a temporary loan. The club reportedly want to recover as much as possible of the £24 million they invested when signing Arokodare from Genk.
However, his current valuation has made a full transfer difficult for interested clubs, making a loan move back to continental Europe the most realistic solution at this stage.
The return of Raul Jimenez has also increased competition for places in the Wolves attack, while the club continue to monitor other striking options, including Che Adams. Those factors could make regular playing time difficult for Arokodare if he remains at Molineux.
Even so, nothing has been decided. With three years still left on his contract, Wolves are under no pressure to accept Trabzonspor’s loan proposal. The coming weeks are expected to be crucial as Trabzonspor, Besiktas and Fenerbahce continue their efforts to convince both Wolves and the Super Eagles forward before the new season begins.
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