Ex-Flying Eagles forward attracts Czech, Hungary interest ahead of summer move

Nigerian forward Muhamed Tijani is heading into the summer transfer window with uncertainty surrounding his future, with a potential exit from Slavia Prague very likely, Soccernet.ng reports.

The former Flying Eagles forward has struggled for regular playing time at the club since his arrival in 2023 and could finally be allowed to depart in a permanent deal this summer.

He completed a move to Hungarian side Nyíregyháza Spartacus in January, where he has already scored eight goals in 14 appearances so far for the club, leading to interests from several other clubs.

Muhamed Tijani: Ex-Flying Eagles forward set for Slavia Prague exit

When Muhamed Tijani joined Slavia Prague from Banik Ostrava in 2023, he was tipped to become one of the next breakout stars in the Czech league. However, the move has not gone according to plan, with the former Nigerian youth international struggling to adapt at the club.

This has caused him to spent most of his time on loan at different in search of regular playing time. He spent last season on loan at English side Plymouth Argyle, but injuries limited him to just a few appearances for the club.

With opportunities still limited at Slavia Prague, the former Flying Eagles star sealed a move to Sigma Olomouc last summer before securing a move to Hungarian club Nyíregyháza Spartacus during the January transfer window. Since then, he has impressed with eight goals and three assists in 14 appearances.

The 25-year-old is expected to return to his parent club at the end of the season, but a source close to the player has indicated that it is very likely that he secures a permanent exit in the summer.

“I think Tijani needs to find a permanent home as he has been moving a lot in the last three years. He needs a lot of stability at this stage of his career”, the source told Footy-Africa.

“The Czech club want around €300,000 for him and are prioritising a sale rather than another loan move. He did well in Hungary and the team wants him back on loan, but Slavia prefer an outright deal. That is where things stand at the moment.”

Czech, Hungary clubs battle for Tijani signature

While Muhamed Tijani’s next move remains uncertain, he is not expected to stay at Slavia Prague beyond this summer. A return to Nyíregyháza Spartacus is still a possibility, although the financial terms of the deal could prove difficult to agree for the club.

The 25-year-old has also been linked with other clubs in the Hungarian league, while clubs in the Czech Republic league, where he has previously enjoyed spells at different clubs, are also monitoring the situation.

“There is also interest from other clubs in Hungary and within the Czech Republic. It promises to be a very interesting summer for Tijani and Slavia Prague”, the source added.

Meanwhile, a return to Plymouth Argyle, where he previously enjoyed a loan spell is also another option in the summer, with the English club also monitoring his contract situation at Slavia Prague.

A move back to England could be the most likely option at the moment, given his familiarity with the environment, which would allow him to settle quickly.

A way back into the Super Eagles setup

Muhamed Tijani has previously represented Nigeria at U-20 level and was part of the Flying Eagles squad that suffered elimination at the Round of 16 in the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup. 

However, instability at club level has prevented him from breaking into the senior national team and he is yet to make his Super Eagles debut. 

Eric Chelle has handed debuts to several players since taking charge of the Super Eagles and with a permanent move now looking likely, there is a real chance for the player to find more regular playing time and consistent form.

If he can put together a strong run of performances, it could boost his chances of earning a future call-up to play for the national team and even pave way for a bigger move to a top European club later in his career.