Franklin Degaulle Tebo Uchenna, a centre-back with a single Super Eagles cap, has sealed a transfer to Serbian giants Red Star Belgrade. The deal was finalised on 13 August 2025 following the club’s progression past Lech in the Champions League play-offs.
He joins from Norway’s Sarpsborg 08, with the transfer valued at €2.5 million plus €200,000 in potential bonuses. Standing at 1.92 m with two years of experience in the Norwegian Eliteserien after earlier spells in Sweden with Häcken—Tebo is expected to sign a four-year contract.
Red Star plan to register him in time for their upcoming Champions League qualifier against Pafos at the Marakana.
Editorial
We strike an optimistic tone on Uchenna’s arrival in Belgrade. This signing feels carefully timed and strategically sophisticated. Moving a dependable centre-back into a club freshly in Champions League mode offers immediate value.
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We note the dimensions he brings. At 1.92 m, he commands the air his experience in Norway and Sweden though not top five leagues suggests adaptability and resilience developed across varied football cultures.
His single cap for Nigeria may seem modest, yet at 25, he arrives at his athletic and psychological prime. We believe Red Star sees in him more than a squad fill they see a long-term pillar.
Registering Uchenna for Champions League action signals intent. The club clearly views him as vital to high-level competition and we share their belief.
This is not mere acquisition it is a statement of ambition. We remain confident: Uchenna will not just acclimatise he will strengthen his new club and enhance his national stature. Once again, this feels less like arrival and more like an elevation of purpose.
Did You Know?
- Franklin Tebo Uchenna received his sole Super Eagles call-up in July 2021 and played in a friendly against Mexico, coming on as a substitute.
- He began his senior career at Nasarawa United in 2019 before moving to Sweden, where he joined BK Häcken in 2021.
- His move to Red Star follows nearly two full seasons at Sarpsborg 08, where he scored four goals in 47 appearances—an impressive output for his position.
- Centre-backs of his stature and profile combining league experience, physical presence, and age profile have become invaluable to clubs aiming for stability and European competition readiness.
- The “Marakana” stadium, where he may soon feature, is Red Star’s iconic home ground and among Europe’s great football cathedrals.
