The former CFR player, wanted in the Premier League! Crystal Palace and Birmingham want him in January
Article by Alexandru Tomuțiu, Cosmin Nistor – Published Friday, December 12, 2025, 8:28 p.m. / Updated Friday, December 12, 2025, 8:43 p.m.
Philip Otele, the former striker of CFR Cluj, is on the wave in Switzerland and could catch an important transfer in the winter of 2026. The Englishmen from Crystal Palace and Birmingham City are watching him carefully, and Basel is ready to sell him if he receives an offer between 8 and 10 million euros.
The 26-year-old is having an excellent season. He scored 8 goals and provided 3 assists in 26 matches. He has attracted serious interest from Fulham, Sevilla, Stuttgart, Nice and Monchengladbach this summer.
Now Otele wants a move to England, and the winter of 2026 seems the ideal time for a major career step, according to GMS.
Crystal Palace want him, Fulham pursued him intensely
The Nigerian's form is outstanding. In 2025, he managed 19 goals and 8 assists in 47 matches. He was included in Nigeria's extended 54-man squad for the Africa Cup of Nations and is now awaiting confirmation of the final call-up for the tournament in Morocco, where Nigeria will meet Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda.
Fulham sent scouts and management to the Champions League qualifier between Basel and Copenhagen, but the move fell through after the London club chose other targets for the mercato.
Also, Crystal Palace want a new striker, especially in the context where Mateta can leave next summer. The Frenchman is tempted by Serie A, with AC Milan among those interested.
Including a transfer to the Championship is possible, if a team there is fighting for promotion to the Premier League.
How much does Basel demand in exchange for the Swiss
Basel brought Otele in January, initially on loan from Al-Wahda, then they transferred him permanently last summer for €3.3m. Now they are willing to let him go for at least double that, around 8-10 million euros.
Otele's figures in the cherry-white jersey
In Romania, at CFR Cluj, Otele played in 45 matches, during which he managed to score 18 goals and provide 8 decisive assists. His current share on the specialist website Transfermarkt is 5 million euros.
