Akor Adams Transfer Saga: Sevilla Star Nears Venezia Record Move Amid Persistent Links

Nigerian striker Akor Adams is at the center of a significant transfer saga, with newly promoted Serie A club Venezia taking crucial steps to secure his signing from Spanish La Liga side Sevilla. The 26-year-old forward has been a target for several clubs this summer, but Venezia has emerged as his most likely destination, demonstrating a strong determination to land their top target before the new season.

The negotiations have been ongoing for weeks, with Venezia initially submitting an offer below €10 million, which Sevilla swiftly rejected. Sevilla’s initial valuation for Adams ranged between €20 million and €30 million, fueled by interest from other clubs, including those in the Saudi Pro League and French side Marseille. However, the Spanish club's position has since shifted. Under pressure to meet La Liga's stringent financial regulations and needing to raise funds, Sevilla has reduced their asking price to approximately €15 million. Venezia, in turn, has improved their offer to €12 million, narrowing the gap significantly, though a final agreement has yet to be reached.

A major breakthrough occurred in early July when Venezia reportedly reached an agreement on personal terms with Adams, offering him a contract that would keep him at the club until June 2030. This development has given Venezia considerable confidence in their pursuit. Further fueling speculation, Adams has been notably absent from Sevilla’s pre-season preparations, with an extended leave that suggests his future lies away from the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán Stadium. He is eager to resolve his future soon to return to training and focus on the upcoming campaign, particularly as he has never played in Italy.

Venezia's ambition to secure Adams is evident not only through their persistent negotiations but also by the direct involvement of their sporting director, Filippo Antonelli, who traveled to Andalusia for face-to-face talks with Sevilla officials. This high-profile pursuit is also made possible by a significant financial boost; despite being a newly promoted club, Venezia has enjoyed a substantial cash flow following a €100 million investment facilitated by popular American artist Drake, enabling them to compete for high-value transfers.

Should Venezia meet Sevilla's €15 million valuation, the transfer would be a club-record signing, easily surpassing their current most expensive acquisitions. The existing record is held by American midfielder Gianluca Busio, who joined for around €6 million in 2021, followed by Thomas Henry at €5.5 million and Tanner Tessmann at €3.64 million. An Adams transfer would exceed the combined cost of the club's two biggest historical signings, underscoring Venezia's serious intent to establish themselves in Serie A.

Akor Adams brings a strong profile to the table. He joined Sevilla from French club Montpellier in January 2025 and enjoyed a strong first full campaign in Spain. During the 2025-26 season, he made 32 appearances across all competitions, scoring 10 goals and finishing as Sevilla's leading scorer in La Liga despite the club's challenging season. His career trajectory includes stints in Norway with Sogndal and Lillestrøm before moving to Montpellier. With his top-flight experience, Adams is expected to play a key role for Venezia if the deal goes through, representing another significant step in his European career as one of the biggest transfers of the Italian summer window.