Victor Udoh: Southampton agree deal to sign Nigerian forward from Royal Antwerp

Southampton have reached an agreement with Belgian club Royal Antwerp to sign 20-year-old Nigerian forward Victor Udoh ahead of the winter transfer deadline, Soccernet.football understands.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano first reported the deal was in its advanced stages, with both clubs now finalising terms. Southampton are expected to complete personal negotiations with Udoh before officially sealing the transfer.

⚪️ EXCL: Southampton agree fee to sign Victor Udoh from Royal Antwerp, deal at advanced stages. pic.twitter.com/89VJ5YLXtA

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 2, 2025

Udoh, a left-sided attacker, has made 28 appearances for Antwerp’s senior team but is yet to register a goal. The majority of his outings have come as a late substitute, and he has been playing for Antwerp’s under-23 side in Belgium’s third tier since December.

Despite his struggles at first-team level, Udoh has shown promise at youth level.

He scored 12 goals in 27 matches for Antwerp’s junior team in the 1ste Nationale last season, earning him a promotion to the senior squad.

Southampton view Udoh primarily as an academy signing, and he is expected to feature for the club’s under-21 side in Premier League 2 and the Premier League Cup.

However, it remains unclear whether the Saints will opt to loan him out immediately if the deal is finalised before Monday’s deadline.

Udoh’s journey to European football began in Nigeria, where he played for Hypebuzz FC and TBC Football Club before moving to Belgium at 18. His transfer to Antwerp in 2023 coincided with Sport Republic sister club Göztepe’s signing of Anthony Dennis, another graduate of Hypebuzz Academy.