Philip Otele

Early career and Kauno Žalgiris

The Nigerian trained with Arsenal as a 14-year-old. Between 2017 and 2019, Otele represented Wearside Premier Division club Wolviston whilst studying at Teesside University. Following his move to Lithuania, Otele revealed he had been unable to accept an offer from Sunderland due to visa restrictions. In May 2019, he signed a contract with Lithuanian club Kauno Žalgiris. Otele established himself as a regular starter in the 2021 season, scoring ten goals and helping Kauno to a consecutive third place in the national league.

UTA Arad

On 13 January 2022, Otele moved to Romanian side UTA Arad. He made his competitive on 5 February, coming on as a substitute for Karolis Laukžemis in a 1–0 home Liga I win over Sepsi OSK. One month later, he scored his first goal in a 2–1 home victory over Mioveni.

CFR Cluj

In January 2023, with his UTA Arad deal set to run out in the summer, Otele signed a pre-contract agreement with defending champions CFR Cluj. He was officially unveiled by the club on 16 June, and made his debut one month later, in a 2–0 home Liga win over Politehnica Iași. On 21 August 2023, Otele scored his first CFR goal in a 4–3 away league victory over city rivals Universitatea Cluj. Five days later, he netted a double in a 3–1 home defeat of Botoșani. On 21 December, he scored another double in 4–0 home derby thrashing of Universitatea Cluj. On 23 February 2024, Otele took his league tally to 11 goals after…

Naturally right-footed, Otele is typically deployed as a left winger, but can also play on the right flank or in the centre as a striker.

Club

As of match played 3 September 2026

International

As of match played 10 June 2026

Basel

Swiss Super League: 2024–25 Swiss Cup: 2024–25 Individual

Liga I top scorer: 2023–24 (shared with Florinel Coman) Liga I Team of the Season: 2023–24