Nigerian midfielder Anthony Dennis is on his way to the UAE Pro League after Al Jazira and Turkish Super Lig club Göztepe reached a €5 million transfer agreement for the 22-year-old.

Dennis spent two years at Göztepe, having joined the Turkish club in 2023 from Nigerian academy side HB Academy Abuja. He wasted no time cementing himself in the first team, going on to make 31 appearances across all competitions last season and contributing three goals.

European interest passed over for UAE move

Despite attracting reported interest from clubs in England, Spain, and Germany, Dennis has chosen the Gulf over Europe for his next step. The defensive midfielder's consistent displays for Göztepe made him one of the club's standout young talents and drew attention from across the continent.

The transfer to Al Jazira marks the end of his contract year at Göztepe — Dennis had one year remaining on his deal — and opens a new chapter in the UAE.

Super Eagles recognition

Dennis's club form also brought international recognition. In March 2025, he received his first call-up to the Nigeria Super Eagles squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying fixtures against Rwanda and Zimbabwe. He is yet to earn his first senior cap for Nigeria.

The move to Al Jazira is subject to the completion of standard formalities, after which Dennis will begin life in the UAE Pro League.