Derby County, Birmingham City Join Chase for FC Basel Winger Philip Otele

Derby County and Birmingham City have opened talks with FC Basel for the services of Nigerian winger Philip Otele, according to transfeed. The two Sky Bet Championship clubs are competing with Serie A sides Lecce and Frosinone for the 27-year-old, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Bundesliga club Hamburg, scoring once in nine league appearances before Hamburg opted not to make the move permanent. Basel are prepared to sanction a sale and are asking for roughly €5 million.

The interest highlights the continued appeal of Nigerian talent in European leagues and shows Championship clubs are willing to meet modest fees to bolster their attacking options. For Otele, a move to England could revive his career after a quiet spell in Germany, while the Italian clubs offer a route back to Serie A. The €5 million price tag is modest by Championship standards, suggesting a deal is feasible if personal terms can be agreed.

Will Derby or Birmingham meet Basel's asking price and secure Otele's signature, or will the Serie A suitors pip them to the post?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/08/03/transfer-derby-county-birmingham-city-join-otele-chase/