Premier League clubs release 13 Nigeria-eligible players ahead of 2026-2027 season

All 20 Premier League clubs for the 2025–26 season have submitted their retained and released lists, with 13 Nigeria-eligible players set to move on after their contracts expire on June 30.

Among them is central midfielder Malachi Ogunleye, who is leaving Bournemouth after making four Premier League Cup appearances across two seasons.

As previously reported, defenders Josh Nichols, Samuel Oyekachukwu and Cam'ron Ismail will depart Premier League champions Arsenal following the expiration of their contracts.

Nichols has already secured his next move, having agreed a deal with newly promoted Croatian Prva NL side NK Kustošija Zagreb. The transfer is expected to be finalised on July 1, 2026.

Elsewhere, Gregory Asemokhai, Richard Olise, Emmanuel Airoboma and David Osifo have been released by Brentford, Chelsea, Liverpool and Wolverhampton Wanderers respectively.

Everton will also part ways with two Nigeria-eligible youngsters, goalkeeper Goodness Gospel-Eze and highly rated forward Francis Okoronkwo.

Gospel-Eze leaves the Toffees after making a solitary appearance in the U18 Premier League, which came in May 2024.

At Crystal Palace, Asher Agbinone and Jemiah Umolu are among the academy players set to leave the club this summer.

Thirteen Nigerians released by Premier League clubs