Transfer News: Pep Guardiola Impressed With Flying Eagle Benjamin Fredrick

Transfer News: Pep Guardiola Impressed With Flying Eagle Benjamin Fredrick
Credit: Iconsport

Pep Guardiola, who is looking to add two more trophies to his cabinet, is reportedly keen on young Nigeria Flying Eagles centre-back Benjamin Fredrick. The youngster is also on the radar of top European teams after his solid performances in the ongoing FIFA U-20 World Cup in Argentina.

The defender, who plays for Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) outfit Nasawara United, has strong defensive and organisational capabilities. His performances in the centre of Nigeria's defence have not gone unnoticed, with European football clubs monitoring him through their scouts.

It will interest you to know that Benjamin was at the centre of the back for the Nigeria U20 side at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) U-20 Championship in Egypt, where the Flying Eagles of Nigeria lost at the semi-final stage. Despite the loss, Nigeria had an impressive journey in the tournament, conceding just two goals, the second-best return at the competition. The team's discipline and strength at the back is largely due to the presence of the then 17 year old talented defender, Benjamin Fredrick.

Who is Benjamin Fredrick?

The defensive prodigy was born Benjamin Chiemela Fredrick in Nasarawa State, Nigeria on 28 May, 2005. Reports say that his parents supported his decision to pursue a career in football because he has keen interest and talent in the sport at an early age. This is unlike most African parents who at this time, still stand in the way of their children pursuing a career in football.

Nigeria U20's Benjamin Fredrick
Credit: Iconsport

Benjamin Frederick plays for Nasawara United who recently got relegated from the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL). But before he made his first appearance with the Nasarawa senior team, his performances at the African U-20 Youth Championships earned him a place among the senior team, where he has made six appearances for the Nasarawa United side.

His performances for the Nigeria national U-20 Flying Eagles has shown that he has the potential to be one of the great footballers that'll come out of Nigeria in the next few years if he can keep on with the eye-catching performances.

European Clubs Interested in Benjamin Fredrick

According to a credible report by Fabrizio Romano on Twitter in March, Benjamin Fredrick is being chased by some European clubs like Anderlecht, Red Bull Leipzig and Midtjylland. At the time of the report, Benjamin cannot be offered a professional contract since he's not up to 18 years. But at the time of writing this, Benjamin has turned 18, and he's now of age to sign his first professional contract with the European clubs monitoring him.

After his recent performance at the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup game against Argentina, where Nigeria defeated the hosts 2-0, Fabrizio Romano dropped another update about the talented 18 year old Flying Eagles defender, and this time, the well respected journalist said this about him:

“Solid performance last night for 18 yo CB Benjamin Fredrick with Nigeria at U20 World Cup. Several teams are following him – in particular Man City, Bayern Munich and Villarreal scouts are monitoring him.”

Frederick is a client of CAA Base which has Kyle Walker, Kingsley Coman, and Heung Min Song amongst their ranks. Nevertheless, where Benjamin goes to in the transfer window this summer is not known, what we do know is that the defender will likely be on his way out of the shores of Nigeria after his beautiful Flying Eagles campaign in Argentina.

This article was most recently revised and updated 1 year ago

Joseph Abadi
Joseph is a freelance writer who spends most of his time writing engaging football contents. Based in Nigeria, Joseph is a die-hard Real Madrid fan with over 8 years experience in the sports betting space. He has covered football match previews, predictions, and news across leagues in Africa and Europe.
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