Nigerian teenager looks at other Championship options after failing to secure Boro contract

NIGERIAN teenage midfielder Aderemi Adeoye has decided to seek openings at several alternative English Football League clubs after Championship side Middlesbrough opted not to offer him a professional contract after a week of trials.

Adeoye, 19, who currently plays for Ikorodu City, is regarded as one of the brightest young prospects in the Nigeria Premier Football League. He has already caught the attention of Super Eagles manager Eric Chelle and had been hoping to join Middlesbrough during the current summer transfer window.

Mr Chelle had included Adeoye in Nigeria's squad for the 2026 Unity Cup after closely monitoring his progress before handing the midfielder his senior debut in a 2-0 victory over Zimbabwe in London. Last month, Adeoye returned to England for a week-long trial with Middlesbrough as the Championship club assessed him with a view to a transfer but the trial concluded without a deal.

Despite that setback, Adeoye's ambition of playing professionally in England remains on track.  Apparently, another unnamed Championship club has opened talks over a potential move after the teenager impressed the coaching staff during his trial.

Should negotiations result in a transfer, the plan is for Adeoye to continue his development with the club's U21 squad.  Adeoye featured in nine Nigeria Premier Football League matches during the second half of last season after joining Ikorodu City in January 2026.