George Ilenikhena has set a new benchmark in Nigerian football after finalising a blockbuster move to Saudi giants Al-Ittihad, a transfer that now stands as the most expensive ever involving a Nigerian teenager.
At just 19, the forward completed a reported €30 million transfer from AS Monaco, eclipsing the €20 million fee that took John Mikel Obi from Lyn Oslo to Chelsea during the 2006/07 season. The deal also puts Ilenikhena ahead of other recent teenage exports, including Honest Ahanor’s €17 million move to Atalanta in the 2025/26 season, as recorded by Transfermarkt.
AS Monaco officially announced his exit on Tuesday, highlighting his contributions since joining the French side in the summer of 2024. During his spell with the Ligue 1 club, Ilenikhena featured in 51 matches, finding the net 10 times and registering two assists.
In a farewell message, Monaco expressed appreciation for his professionalism and impact, wishing him success as he embarks on the next phase of his career.
Ilenikhena’s rapid ascent has been nothing short of remarkable. Prior to his Monaco move, he had already attracted attention after sealing an €18.75 million transfer from Belgian champions Royal Antwerp, a fee that placed him among Nigeria’s most valuable teenage football exports.
With his Al-Ittihad switch, he now joins an elite group of Nigerian players who secured high-profile transfers before turning 20, including Ademola Lookman, Ahmed Musa, Suleman Sani, Uchenna Ogundu and Akinkunmi Amoo. In contrast, stars like Victor Osimhen and Kelechi Iheanacho only completed their major transfers after reaching the age of 20.
Born in Lagos, Ilenikhena moved to France at the age of three, where he began his football journey with Antony Football Evolution. He later progressed to Amiens ahead of the 2021/22 season, marking the start of his rise through the European ranks.
His senior career kicked off in November 2022 with a Coupe de France appearance, followed by a move to Royal Antwerp in June 2023. Just a year later, he earned his transfer to Monaco, where his performances further elevated his profile.
On the continental stage, Ilenikhena has continued to make history. On January 21, 2026, he broke Nwankwo Kanu’s long-standing UEFA Champions League record to become the youngest African player to reach 15 appearances in the competition, achieving the feat at 19 years and 157 days.
He had earlier announced himself emphatically in Europe with a dramatic late winner against Barcelona in December 2023, a moment that signalled his arrival at the top level.
Beyond setting a new teenage transfer record, Ilenikhena’s €30 million move also places him fifth among the most expensive Nigerian players of all time, trailing only the likes of Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Alex Iwobi.
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