FC Basel have knocked back a €3 million offer from Saudi Pro League club Al-Fateh for Nigeria winger Philip Otele, with the Swiss outfit holding out for €4 million before they will entertain any departure.

Despite the €1 million gap between the two clubs, Otele has already agreed personal terms with Al-Fateh — meaning the deal could advance quickly if the Saudi side return with an improved bid.

Basel's strong hand

Otele signed for Basel in July 2025 and is contracted to the club until 2028, a deal that hands the Swiss club considerable leverage in any transfer negotiation. His current Transfermarkt valuation sits at €4 million, which aligns precisely with Basel's reported asking price.

The 27-year-old has earned five caps for Nigeria and has established himself as a sought-after commodity this window. In January 2026, Basel were reportedly demanding as much as €7 million for the winger — making their current €4 million valuation a significant reduction from that earlier figure.

Otele also had a loan spell at German club Hamburger SV, who held an option to sign him permanently for a fee reported to be between €4.5 million and €5 million — an option they ultimately did not exercise.

A crowded transfer picture

Al-Fateh are not the only suitors circling the Nigerian. English Championship club Birmingham City and Italian Serie A side Lecce have both been linked with Otele, adding further complexity to his transfer situation.

Should either Birmingham City or Lecce formalise their interest with a concrete offer, Otele's options could widen considerably — and the additional competition may yet force Al-Fateh's hand. For now, the ball is firmly in Al-Fateh's court as they weigh whether to bridge the gap and meet Basel's valuation.