Former Manchester United academy midfielder Maxi Oyedele is attracting significant attention from top clubs across Europe following a stellar campaign with Polish side Legia Warsaw. The 20 year old, who holds triple nationality Polish, English, and Nigerian played a key role in Legia’s run to the UEFA Europa Conference League quarterfinals.
Despite making his senior international debut for Poland in October 2024, Oyedele remains eligible to represent Nigeria or England due to FIFA's nationality rules. His standout moment came against Molde in the Round of 16, where he delivered a decisive assist in a 2-0 win.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reports that Belgian giants Anderlecht and Club Brugge, Germany’s Werder Bremen, and Dutch club PSV Eindhoven are monitoring the midfielder closely. Two English Championship clubs have also expressed strong interest, with all parties reportedly in contact with Oyedele’s camp regarding a potential €6 million move.
Manchester United, who inserted a 40% sell-on clause in Oyedele’s 2024 transfer to Poland, stand to gain financially if the transfer is completed.
Editorial
Maxi Oyedele’s sharp rise is exactly the type of story that reignites conversations around diaspora scouting and talent engagement for Nigeria. At just 20, he’s already turning heads across Europe, proving that development doesn’t always follow the straight path through England’s elite leagues. Sometimes, taking the less glamorous route pays off faster and better.
His triple eligibility presents Nigeria with a golden opportunity. Here is a player with Premier League DNA, continental experience, and still room to grow. Yet, as it stands, Poland has the early advantage. Why? Because they acted first.
This is a recurring theme dual-eligible talents overlooked or approached too late. Oyedele doesn’t just represent potential he is actively performing at a high level in European competitions. If Nigeria’s technical team wants to future-proof the midfield, now is the time to make that call, not after he’s earned 10 caps for another country.
His rising stock and €6 million release clause may sound steep by NNL standards, but in modern European football, it’s a bargain for a midfielder with vision, discipline, and adaptability. That multiple clubs are circling is not a coincidence it’s a signal.
The question is will Nigeria answer before the door closes?
Did You Know?
- Maxi Oyedele was born in Salford, England, but is eligible to play for Poland (mother) and Nigeria (father).
- He joined Manchester United’s academy at age 14 and was considered one of their most promising midfielders before moving to Legia Warsaw.
- Oyedele has already played in European competition featuring in Legia’s 2024/25 UEFA Europa Conference League campaign.
- His release clause at Legia Warsaw is set at €6 million, making him a hot target in the current transfer window.
- Under FIFA rules, a player is allowed to switch national allegiance if they have not played more than three competitive senior matches before the age of 21.
