*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 03:41, 11 November 2024 (UTC) ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 20:51, 18 November 2024 (UTC)
After coming through Granada's youth academy, Aghehowa began playing for the club's reserve team in 2022, being promoted to the first team in 2023. He subsquently signed with Atlético Madrid, being immediately loaned to La Liga club Alavés. In August 2024, Aghehowa joined Porto for a transfer fee of €15 million.
Born in Melilla to Nigerian parents,[2][3] Aghehowa moved to Seville at a young age.[2] After playing for local side AD Nervión in his hometown of Sevilla, he joined Granada's youth setup in 2021.[4]
On 6 March 2022, Aghehowa made his senior debut for Granada's reserve team, Recreativo Granada, coming on as a second-half substitute in a 2–1 league home loss to Marchamalo.[5] On 25 September, he scored his first senior goal, netting the B's equalizer in a 1–1 draw against El Ejido.[6]
On 20 April 2023, Aghehowa renewed his contract with the Nazaríes until 2028.[3][7] Having scored 18 goals for Granada's B team throughout the 2022–23 season,[8] helping the B team reach the Segunda Federación promotion play-offs.[3][8]
Aghehowa made his first-team debut on 14 August 2023, starting and scoring in a 3–1 away loss against Atlético Madrid.[9][10]
Atlético Madrid
On 21 August, Aghehowa joined fellow top-tier side Atlético Madrid on a permanent deal, signing a five-year contract with the club, with Atlético triggering his €6 million release clause.[11][12]
Five days later, he was sent to Deportivo Alavés, also in the Spanish first division, on loan until the end of the season.[13][14] In the 2023–24 season, he became the top scorer for his club in La Liga by scoring 8 goals, out of 9 in total having scored a goal with Granada.[15]
In July 2024, Chelsea negotiated with Atlético for the transfer of Aghehowa, offering a bid worth €40 million (£34 million), plus add-ons, but Atlético initially turned it down. He agreed personal terms with Chelsea, and both clubs agreed on a deal, but issues surrounding an ankle injury during the medical examination and image rights negotiations led to the transfer collapsing in early August.[16][17] Shortly thereafter, he was excluded from first-team training, with Atlético arranging a permanent transfer for him. Aghehowa later described the experience as a "very complicated summer".[18][19]
Porto
On 24 August 2024, Aghehowa joined Primeira Liga club Porto from Atlético Madrid on a five-year contract and reported €100 million release clause. Porto paid Atlético Madrid €15 million for 50% of his sports rights and also reserved the option to buy 30% of his sports rights in 2025 and 2026 for €5 million each year.[20]
He made his competitive debut for his new club in the to rivals 2–0 loss to Sporting CP in the Primeira Liga on 31 August,[21] and scored his first goal on 15 September, netting the winner in a 2–1 win against Farense.[22] In his next league match, on 21 September, Aghehowa scored a brace in a 3–0 victory over Vitória de Guimarães at Estádio D. Afonso Henriques.[23] Four days later, he made his debut in European competitions, starting and scoring in a 3–2 loss away at Bodø/Glimt, during the inaugural matchday of the newly formatted UEFA Europa Leagueleague stage;[24] followed by two goals in a 3–3 home draw with Manchester United on 3 October at Estádio do Dragão.[25] On 28 October, he scored a hat-trick in a 5–0 victory away against AVS in the Primeira Liga.[26] On 10 November, Aghehowa scored the lone goal for Porto in a 4–1 away defeat to rivals Benfica in O Clássico. This marked Porto's heaviest league loss to their arch-rivals in 60 years, a result not seen since a 4–0 defeat in the 1964–65 season.[27]
International career
Prior to receiving his first competitive cap for the Spain senior team in November 2024, Aghehowa was eligible to represent Nigeria through his parents birthplace, but he chose to represent Spain internationally.[28]
Aghehowa has been described by The Athletic as a "modern No 9" who is "tall, quick, and physically imposing" centre-forward.[35] He combines strength and aerial ability to create opportunities and threaten in the penalty area. His acceleration aids counterattacks, while his finishing shows promise with both feet and his head. He applies pressure effectively, disrupts opposition play, and contributes defensively with tracking and aerial support. His high work rate and direct approach enhance his impact in attack.[36][37][38]
According to former Atlético Madrid scout Javier Vidales, Aghehowa is "more than just a strong striker who holds up play and distributes the ball". He sees Aghehowa as playing the "role of two attackers: a target man who occupies defenders and a mobile forward who finds space. If defenders close down the spaces, he acts as a traditional No.9; if they block him, he adapts to exploit openings".[16]
Personal life
Previously known as Samu Omorodion, Samu announced in November 2024 that he wanted to be known by his maternal surname Aghehowa to honour his mother.[39]
