Super Eagles star lands in Italy for record Venezia move

Super Eagles forward Akor Adams is set to become a Venezia player after the newly promoted Serie A club completed the final stages of negotiations with Sevilla, Soccernet.ng reports.

According to transfer market insider Gianluca di Marzio, Sevilla and Venezia have shaken hands over a major transfer package worth up to €23 million for the Nigerian forward.

The former Montpellier striker is expected to arrive in Italy on Tuesday, July 21, where he will briefly stop in Venice before linking up with his new teammates at the club’s pre-season training camp in Falcade on Thursday.

The agreement between the two clubs is worth a guaranteed €16 million, with another €7 million tied to performance-related bonuses. The move is the biggest investment in Venezia’s history as the club prepares for life back in Italy’s top flight.

Venezia secured promotion to Serie A and are already strengthening their squad ahead of a campaign that is expected to be dominated by a battle against relegation. Adams has been identified as the player who will lead that fight.

The 1.90-metre striker arrives after an impressive spell at Sevilla, where he scored 10 goals, convincing Venezia that he has the qualities needed to spearhead their attack.

Adams will officially begin work with his new club when he joins training in Falcade later this week, giving him valuable time to settle into the squad before the new Serie A season begins.

Adams’ biggest assignment is clearly to score the goals that can keep Venezia in Serie A. The club is expected to spend much of the season battling to avoid relegation, making every goal crucial.

Venezia are likely to rely on a compact defensive system and quick counter-attacks, a style that suits Adams’ pace, strength and ability to hold up the ball despite his imposing frame.

Beyond helping his club, the move also presents Adams with several personal milestones. The Nigerian has the chance to challenge some of the debut-season numbers set by Victor Osimhen during his first year in Serie A. Osimhen scored 10 league goals and provided three assists in his first Italian top-flight campaign, while also building a reputation for his impressive goals-per-minute ratio. Adams will be hoping to match or even surpass those figures if he enjoys a successful first season in Venice.

Financially, the transfer is also significant. The €23 million package makes Adams Venezia’s most expensive signing ever and places him among the highest-value transfers involving a Nigerian player.

The transfer could also have major implications for his international future. With regular football in one of Europe’s strongest leagues, Adams will hope to strengthen his place in Eric Chelle’s Super Eagles plans as Nigeria begins preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.