Olympique de Marseille and West Bromwich Albion have completed notable moves involving two young midfield talents, with Tochukwu Nnadi and Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba taking important steps in their careers.
Tochukwu Nnadi Joins Marseille to Continue Rapid Rise
Olympique de Marseille have confirmed the signing of Nigerian international Tochukwu Nnadi from SV Zulte Waregem, marking a major milestone in the midfielder’s fast-developing career.
The 22-year-old has already built a reputation as one of Africa’s emerging midfielders.
Born on June 30, 2003, in Ihiagwa, Imo State, he began his football journey at Campos FC in Nigeria before moving to the Madenat Alamal Football Academy in Dubai.
That early move abroad proved key, giving him exposure that paved the way to Europe.
In August 2021, Tochukwu Nnadi signed his first professional contract with Bulgarian side Botev Plovdiv after a successful trial. He made his league debut in April 2022 against Ludogorets and steadily earned a regular role.
Known for his calm passing, tactical awareness, and defensive balance, he quickly became a dependable presence in midfield.
His profile rose further at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2023. Starting every match for Nigeria, Nnadi played a central role in wins over Italy and Argentina, showing composure well beyond his age.
Those performances helped establish him as a future Super Eagles regular.
In January 2024, he joined SV Zulte Waregem in Belgium, stepping into a more demanding league.
His consistent displays in the Belgian Pro League caught the eye of scouts across Europe, with Marseille eventually moving decisively to secure his signature.
The Ligue 1 club see Tochukwu Nnadi as a player who can grow into their midfield over time.
On the international stage, his rise has been just as steady. Following his U-20 success, he earned a call-up to Nigeria’s senior squad and made his debut at the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.
That appearance confirmed his transition to top-level African football.
Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba Returns to West Brom on Loan
While Marseille look to the future with Nnadi, West Bromwich Albion have turned to familiar ground by signing Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba on loan from Aston Villa until the end of the 2025/26 season.
The 19-year-old midfielder returns to The Hawthorns after spending nearly a decade in the club’s academy.
A local talent from Handsworth, Jimoh-Aloba knows the environment well and arrives with valuable top-flight experience already under his belt.
Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba is valued for his flexibility. He can operate out wide, as an attacking midfielder, or in a central role, giving West Brom options as they push up the Sky Bet Championship table.
His technical ability and energy suit a side looking to add creativity and drive from midfield.
The teenager arrives after a standout few weeks with Aston Villa. He made his Premier League debut away at Arsenal late in 2025, then followed it up by scoring a dramatic winning goal against Red Bull Salzburg in the UEFA Europa League at the end of January. Those moments highlighted his confidence on big stages.
Speaking after completing the move, Jimoh-Aloba made clear how much the club still means to him.
He described West Brom as the place he most wanted to be, stressing his determination to help improve the team’s league position.
His emotional connection to the club, combined with his recent progress, makes this loan a significant boost for Albion.