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Wolves and Leicester enter race for 49 G/A Nigerian striker amid Lazio and Wolfsburg interest

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Rafiu Durosinmi’s growing reputation in European football has attracted fresh interest from the Premier League, with Wolverhampton Wanderers and Leicester City now joining Lazio and Wolfsburg in the race for the Nigeria and Viktoria Plzeň striker, Soccernet.ng reports.

According to Football Insider, Wolves and Leicester recently dispatched scouts to watch Plzeň’s Europa League clash against Lazio, where Durosinmi delivered a standout performance despite his side’s 2-1 defeat.

The 22-year-old Nigerian forward, who has been on Wolves’ radar for some time, scored Plzeň’s only goal in the match, heading in from Lukáš Kalvach’s free-kick in the 53rd minute.

Nigeria and Viktoria Plzen striker Rafiu Durosinmi. Photo by IMAGO

His performance was impressive beyond just the goal—winning 18 duels, completing 71% of his passes, and making a key pass that nearly resulted in a second Plzeň goal.

Leicester and Wolves are both fighting for survival in the Premier League, currently sitting 19th and 17th, respectively. While their priority remains securing top-flight status, their interest in Durosinmi suggests they are also planning ahead for the 2025-26 season, whether in the Premier League or Championship.

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Lazio in contact with Nigeria’s Durosinmi

Durosinmi’s display also caught the eye of Lazio’s sporting director, Angelo Mariano Fabiani, who was reportedly “bewitched” by the Nigerian’s technical ability and movement.

Italian outlet Lazialità claims Fabiani made immediate inquiries about Durosinmi’s availability after the game.

Plzeň are open to selling the striker, having previously agreed a deal with Eintracht Frankfurt in January 2024.

Nigeria and Viktoria Plzen striker Rafiu Durosinmi. Photo by IMAGO
Nigeria and Viktoria Plzen striker Rafiu Durosinmi celebrates with his teammate. Photo by IMAGO

That move, however, collapsed at the final stage after medical tests revealed a knee injury requiring surgery. Now back to full fitness, Durosinmi has wasted little time proving his quality, netting five goals and providing one assist in nine games since returning to action.

His overall record for Plzeň stands at 36 goals and 13 assists in 95 appearances, making him one of the most sought-after young strikers in European football.

Nigeria and Viktoria Plzen forward Rafiu Durosinmi. Photo by IMAGO

Wolves could be in pole position for Durosinmi, especially given their likely squad changes in the summer. With Pablo Sarabia set to leave and uncertainty over the futures of Hwang Hee-Chan and Gonçalo Guedes, the Nigerian could be an affordable attacking option.

Leicester, meanwhile, could face a tougher task securing his signature if they fail to avoid relegation, as Durosinmi is expected to favour a move to a top-flight club in England, Italy, or Germany.

At 6ft 3in, he offers a unique blend of aerial strength, pace, and power — qualities that make him an attractive proposition for teams needing a physical yet technically gifted forward.

However, any potential deal would come at a cost. Plzeň will likely demand a fee in the region of £10-15 million, a figure that could prove steep for Leicester if they drop to the Championship.

Durosinmi will get another chance to show his quality again this week when Viktoria Plzen head to Rome to face Lazio in the second leg of their Europa League knockout clash.

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