FC Basel have rejected a €3 million bid from Saudi Pro League side Al-Fateh for Nigeria international winger Philip Otele.
The Swiss club are reportedly demanding around €4 million before they will consider allowing the 27-year-old to leave.
Despite the two clubs yet to reach an agreement over a transfer fee, Otele is understood to have already agreed personal terms with Al-Fateh, paving the way for a potential move should negotiations progress.
The development could now leave Al-Fateh with the option of improving their offer as they attempt to convince Basel to sanction the Nigerian’s departure.
Otele joined Basel in July 2025 and remains tied to the Swiss club until 2028, putting Basel in a strong negotiating position.
The winger, who has earned five caps for Nigeria, is currently valued at €4 million by Transfermarkt — the same figure Basel are reportedly demanding for his services.
Read Also:Derby County, Birmingham City Join Race To Sign Otele
Al-Fateh are not the only club to have shown interest in Otele, with English Championship side Birmingham City and Italian Serie A outfit Lecce also linked with the Nigerian.
Otele’s future has been the subject of speculation for some time, with Basel previously placing a significantly higher valuation on the attacker.
In January 2026, the Swiss side’s asking price was reportedly around €7 million.
Otele also spent time on loan at German club Hamburger SV, who had an option to make his move permanent for a fee reportedly between €4.5 million and €5 million.
However, Basel’s current €4 million valuation represents a considerable reduction from the amount they were reportedly demanding earlier in the year.
With Otele having already agreed personal terms with Al-Fateh, attention will now turn to whether the Saudi club return with an improved offer to bridge the €1 million gap between their opening bid and Basel’s asking price.
Interest from Birmingham City and Lecce could also add another dimension to the winger’s future should either club decide to firm up their interest with an official offer.
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Source: Complete Sports
