St. Pauli winger Dapo Afolayan could make a return to England this summer as he has emerged as one of the Championship’s most in-demand forwards, Footynaija.com reports.
According to Hayters TV, Leicester City, West Bromwich Albion, Blackburn Rovers and Swansea City are all exploring the possibility of signing Afolayan.
The reports reveal Belgian top-flight sides Gent and Racing Genk are also closely following developments surrounding the 27-year-old.
Afolayan, once compared to Austin Okocha at Bolton Wanderers, is entering the final 12 months of his contract at Bundesliga 2 club, St. Pauli.
Since arriving from Bolton Wanderers in January 2023, Afolayan has been a key figure for St. Pauli, racking up 84 appearances, 16 goals and seven assists. He is now just 16 games away from hitting the 100-mark for the Hamburg-based outfit.
✍️ Former Bolton winger Dapo Afolayan could be set for a Championship move.
Leicester City, West Brom, Swansea City and Blackburn Rovers are all interested in signing him from St Pauli.
(via @dandbennett_) pic.twitter.com/ODnvoJkU3W
— The #EFL Zone (@TheFLZone) August 11, 2025
A product of Chelsea’s youth system, Afolayan’s career path has been far from conventional, taking in spells at Toronto FC, Barnet, Tooting & Mitcham United, Loughborough University, Solihull Moors and West Ham United. He also enjoyed loan stints with Oldham Athletic, Mansfield Town and Bolton.
Born in London to Nigerian parents, Afolayan has represented England’s C team but remains eligible to switch allegiance to Nigeria.
In May, he visited the Super Eagles’ London camp during the Unity Cup to meet senior officials of the Nigeria Football Federation and commit to wearing the green and white at international level.
St. Pauli are open to selling if the right offer comes in before deadline day.