Nottingham Forest are among the clubs pushing to sign Nigerian teenager dubbed the Nigerian “Erling Haaland”. Bayer Leverkusen are also said to be in the race for the highly-rated striker.
Nottingham Forest are currently regarded as the frontrunners, with a move abroad now looking close. A source close to the player has indicated that a deal could be finalised soon, although Leverkusen’s interest means Forest still have work to do.
Forest tracking one of Nigeria’s brightest youngsters
Abdoulaye Agbejoye has announced himself after a standout season with Grassrunners FC in Ogun State, Nigeria.
The 18-year-old finished as the leading scorer in the Nigerian Youth League Cup and was also named Player of the Tournament. His numbers have only added more interest for a move abroad.
Agbejoye played an important role in Nigeria’s run to second place at the 2026 WAFU B U-20 Championship in Ivory Coast. It has been quite a summer for the teenager, and Nottingham Forest are now looking to make the most of his growing profile.
There is also plenty of excitement around his physical attributes. Agbejoye stands at 6ft 5in and has been compared to Manchester City striker Erling Haaland because of his size, pace and style of play.
That comparison will naturally attract attention, although Nottingham Forest will be more interested in what the youngster can become rather than the label attached to him.
Leverkusen challenge Forest for Agbejoye
Forest may currently have the advantage, but Bayer Leverkusen are not sitting back.
The former Bundesliga champions have also been keeping tabs on Agbejoye and are understood to have registered an interest in signing him. With European competition for young talent becoming increasingly fierce, Forest will know they need to move quickly if they want to get the deal done.
A move to England is currently seen as the likeliest outcome.
Should Forest complete the transfer, there is also a chance Agbejoye could immediately head out on loan. That would allow him to play regularly and gain experience before returning to compete for a place in the first team.
Nottingham Forest could also have an advantage when it comes to the player’s Nigerian connections at the club. The report claims Ola Aina and Taiwo Awoniyi have spoken positively about Forest and its environment as they try to encourage Agbejoye to choose the City Ground.
Nothing has been completed yet, but Forest are in a strong position. Agbejoye has enjoyed a breakout year in Nigeria, Leverkusen are interested and a move abroad appears to be getting closer.
