Bewitching Talent: Why Premier League clubs are closely watching Nigerian striker Durosinmi

• Premier League clubs Wolves and Leicester have joined the race for Nigerian striker Rafiu Durosinmi
• Notably, Rafiu Durosinmi has scored five goals and provided one assist in nine games since returning from injury
• Plzeň values Rafiu Durosinmi at £10-15 million, and he is expected to favor a move to a top-flight club

Nigerian talent Rafiu Durosinmi’s rapid rise in European football has placed him on the radar of several clubs, with Premier League sides Wolverhampton Wanderers and Leicester City now joining Lazio and Wolfsburg in the pursuit of the talented Nigerian striker.

According to English sport outlets, both Wolves and Leicester sent scouts to watch the 22-year-old during Viktoria Plzeň’s recent Europa League clash against Lazio. 

Despite his team’s 2-1 defeat, Durosinmi delivered an eye-catching performance, scoring Plzeň’s only goal with a well-placed header from Lukáš Kalvach’s free-kick in the 53rd minute. His overall display impressed onlookers, as he won 18 duels, completed 71% of his passes, and provided a key pass that nearly led to another goal. 

These attributes have only attracted more interest in the young forward, who has been on Wolves’ radar for some time.

Lazio’s sporting director "bewitched" by Durosinmi’s talent

Reports from Italian outlet Lazialità indicated that Lazio’s sporting director, Angelo Mariano Fabiani, was particularly struck by Durosinmi’s technical ability and movement. 

Fabiani reportedly made immediate inquiries regarding the striker’s availability following the match, signalling the Italian club’s strong intent to secure his services.

Meanwhile, Premier League strugglers Leicester and Wolves are actively monitoring the situation. Both clubs are currently fighting to retain their top-flight status, sitting 19th and 17th, respectively. 

Their interest in Durosinmi suggests they are also planning for the 2025-26 season, whether in the Premier League or the Championship.

Plzeň open to sale, but will Durosinmi move?

Viktoria Plzeň have already shown a willingness to part ways with their prized asset, having previously agreed to sell him to Eintracht Frankfurt in January 2024. 

However, the move collapsed after medical tests revealed a knee injury that required surgery. Now fully fit, Durosinmi has hit the ground running, scoring five goals and providing one assist in nine games since his return.

His record for the Czech club stands at 36 goals and 13 assists in 95 appearances, a tally that makes him one of the most exciting young strikers in European football.

Which club will win the race for Durosinmi?

Wolves could be in pole position for Durosinmi, given their squad restructuring plans. Leicester, on the other hand, may struggle to secure his signature if they fail to avoid relegation, as Durosinmi is reportedly keen on joining a top-flight club in England, Italy, or Germany.

At 6ft 3in, Durosinmi combines aerial dominance, pace, and power, qualities that make him a desirable target for clubs seeking a physically imposing yet technically skilled forward. 

However, Plzeň are expected to demand between £10-15 million, a figure that may be out of reach for Leicester if they drop to the Championship.

Durosinmi will have another opportunity to prove his worth when Viktoria Plzeň travel to Rome for the second leg of their Europa League knockout clash against Lazio. 

Onigbinde urges Super Eagles coach Chelle to harness Nigeria’s talent for World Cup success

Previously, TheRadar reported that former national team coach Chief Adeboye Onigbinde has urged newly appointed Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle to effectively manage the country's vast talent pool as he takes on the challenge of leading the Super Eagles.

Despite this abundance of quality, Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign has been disappointing.