Felix Uduokhai is set to become Beşiktaş’s new air force commander! Transfer cost revealed

Known for his aerial prowess, Felix Uduokhai has the potential to make a significant impact for Beşiktaş in both defensive and offensive set-pieces. The German defender, who has played as a centre-back, defensive midfielder, and left-back during his 8-year professional career, is recognized for his ability to build play from the back, his strong left foot, and his composure on the field. At Augsburg, Uduokhai was the player who won the most aerial duels, and he was called up to the German national team under Joachim Löw.

Felix Uduokhai, the seventh signing for Beşiktaş this transfer window following Rafa Silva, Ciro Immobile, Gabriel Paulista, Cher Ndour, Can Keleş, and Emirhan Topçu, is expected to sign a contract with the club today. Beşiktaş has agreed to pay Germany’s Augsburg Club €5.5 million for the 26-year-old defender and will provide him with an annual guaranteed salary of €2 million. Born in Germany on September 9, 1997, Uduokhai is of Nigerian descent. He started his football journey at the age of 11 with Erzgebirge Aue before joining the youth academy of 1860 Munich.

AUGSBURG SIGNED HIM FOR €7 MILLION

In 2016, at the age of 19, Uduokhai made his debut in Bundesliga 2 with 1860 Munich. His performances quickly caught the eye of Bundesliga side Wolfsburg, who signed him for €1 million in 2017. In the 2017-18 season, he played in 9 of Wolfsburg’s first 10 Bundesliga matches, continuing his rapid progression. However, in his second season at Wolfsburg, he was not included in the plans of head coach Bruno Labbadia and was loaned to Augsburg. A year later, Augsburg signed him permanently for €7 million. During Joachim Löw’s tenure as head coach, Uduokhai was called up to the German national team.

PLAYING STYLE COMPARED TO DAVID ALABA

As a left-footed centre-back, Felix Uduokhai has often been compared to world-class stars, particularly David Alaba. Some have even dubbed him “Alaba 2.0.” Throughout his 8-year professional career, he has played as a centre-back, defensive midfielder, and left-back, though his primary position has always been at the heart of the defense. His ability to build from the back, his strong left foot, and his calmness on the pitch are key reasons for the comparisons to Alaba. In 2022, he was linked with clubs like Newcastle United, Manchester United, and Napoli, but a transfer did not materialize.

PLAYED 6 MATCHES FOR GERMANY U21 TEAM

Felix Uduokhai’s most significant strength is his aerial dominance, thanks to his 1.93-meter height and physicality. This superiority isn’t limited to defense; he can also pose a threat in the opponent’s penalty area during set-piece situations. His status as the player with the most aerial wins at Augsburg further underscores this attribute. During Stefan Kuntz’s time as coach, Uduokhai was called up to the Germany U21 team, where he played in 6 matches.