With his deal set to expire in days and salary demands proving a sticking point, the Nigerian full back looks headed for free agent status this summer.
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Kingsley Ehizibue looks set to leave Udinese as talks over a contract renewal have reportedly stalled, leaving the Nigerian full-back on course to exit the Serie A club as a free agent.
Udinese had been working to extend the 30 year old’s stay through to 2028, but Italian outlet Tuttomercatoweb reports that negotiations have hit a wall, with an agreement now looking unlikely before his current deal runs out.
Ehizibue’s contract is due to expire within days, and there has been little visible progress in discussions between the two sides in recent weeks. Salary demands are said to be the central issue holding up any renewal, with the club and player yet to find common ground on terms.
Six Seasons Of Service In Friuli
Ehizibue joined Udinese from Bundesliga side FC Koln in the summer of 2022 and has since established himself as a regular, valued for his versatility across the right side of defence, where he has featured both as a conventional right back and further forward as a right wing back.
Barring a late twist before his contract expires, the defender is expected to become available on a free transfer, a situation that should draw interest from clubs across Europe looking to add an experienced, versatile defender without paying a transfer fee.
Ehizibue remains part of the Super Eagles’ defensive pool and will be hoping a swift move helps him keep his club football consistent as Nigeria continues shaping its squad plans.
📌 Did You Know?
- Ehizibue began his senior career in the Netherlands before making his move to German football with FC Koln.
- Free agent moves allow players to negotiate salaries and signing bonuses directly, often making them more lucrative than transfer deals.
- Udinese, based in Friuli, have a long history of developing and moving on African talent to bigger European leagues.
- Ehizibue’s versatility at right back and right wing back has made him a tactical asset under multiple Udinese coaches.
- Nigerian defenders departing Serie A clubs as free agents in recent years have typically drawn interest from Bundesliga and Championship sides.
- Ehizibue has represented Nigeria at senior international level, adding to his profile among clubs assessing his availability.
- Contract expiries at the end of June are common across European football, giving clubs a short pre-season window to close free deals.
