sports

Udinese Set High €15m Price for Okoye Transfer Deal

Published

3 months ago

June 25, 2026

Juventus reportedly weigh move for Super Eagles goalkeeper after impressive Serie A season

Udinese have reportedly placed a €15 million valuation on Nigeria international Maduka Okoye as Juventus explore options to strengthen their goalkeeping department ahead of the new Serie A season.

Also read: Switzerland Edge Canada to Reach World Cup Last 32

The 26-year-old Super Eagles goalkeeper is understood to be among Juventus’ primary targets, with the Turin giants intensifying their search for a long-term solution between the posts after encountering difficulties in securing other high-profile options.

According to reports in Italy, Udinese have informed Juventus that Okoye is valued in a bracket comparable to Aston Villa and Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, reflecting the club’s strong belief in his growing reputation and market value.

Okoye, who joined Udinese with expectations of becoming a key figure in goal, delivered a standout campaign despite missing the opening six league matches due to a suspension linked to a betting investigation.

The Nigerian shot-stopper responded strongly upon his return, registering 10 clean sheets in 30 appearances across all competitions and playing a crucial role in helping Udinese secure a mid-table finish in Serie A.

His consistency, reflex saves and improved command of the penalty area have reportedly attracted interest beyond Italy, with Juventus now assessing whether to meet Udinese’s valuation as they reshape their squad for the upcoming season.

A club source, as reported in Italian media, suggested that Udinese are unwilling to sanction a sale below their asking price, viewing Okoye as a key asset in their long-term sporting project.

Okoye’s rise has been closely followed in Nigeria, where he remains part of the Super Eagles setup and is considered one of the country’s leading goalkeeping talents in Europe.

Juventus, meanwhile, are said to be evaluating multiple options as they seek stability in goal, with the transfer window expected to intensify discussions in the coming weeks.

The potential move could mark a significant step in Okoye’s career, offering him a platform at one of Italy’s most decorated clubs if negotiations between both sides progress successfully.

Also read: Switzerland Edge Canada to Reach World Cup Last 32

As talks remain at an early stage, no official bid has been confirmed, and both clubs are yet to publicly comment on the reported valuation.

Related Topics:featured Juventus Maduka Okoye Serie A Transfer news Udinese

Up Next

AC Milan, Real Betis Chase Christantus Uche Transfer Move

Don't Miss

Switzerland Edge Canada to Reach World Cup Last 32

Mariam Balogun

Click to comment

Opinion

Why Are Football Fans Expecting Trophy Haul from Man City’s 114 Breaches?

Published

5 hours ago

September 30, 2026

Mariam Balogun

By Tai Emeka Obasi,

It is exceedingly terrible for clubs operating in a league as supremely elite as the English Premier League, EPL, to fraudulently cheat themselves to massive success.

Also read: NFF Appeals CAF Ruling on Edo Queens’ WAFU-B Victory

Rules are rules, and supposedly responsible club managements should comply with them in administering a game termed the beautiful game.

Manchester City is currently in the eye of the storm for all the wrong reasons.

A whopping 115 breaches were brought against the club, with reports now indicating that an independent commission found City guilty of 114 of them.

The club, however, maintains that the Premier League process remains ongoing, with significant elements still to be completed and subject to strict confidentiality.

Manchester City chairman, Khaldoon Al Mubarak, has appealed to the fans to remain calm and faithful, insisting that the club will continue to defend its position and pursue the available legal process.

According to reports, Manchester City is expected to appeal the verdict. The sanctions have not yet been announced, and the possible consequences could include a heavy fine, points deduction, stripping of titles or even relegation.

From the available reporting, however, there is no basis for football fans to start celebrating the prospect of receiving Manchester City’s trophies.

Even if titles were eventually stripped, the relevant period under investigation is 2009 to 2018.

During that period, Manchester City won three Premier League titles, in 2011/12, 2013/14 and 2017/18, as well as three League Cups, in 2013/14, 2015/16 and 2017/18.

That immediately puts a different complexion on the matter.

For instance, Manchester United finished runners-up to City in the 2011/12 and 2017/18 Premier League seasons, while Liverpool finished second in 2013/14.

But whether those titles would actually be reassigned to the runners-up is another matter entirely.

There is no automatic rule that says a stripped title simply moves to the team that finished second. Any such outcome would depend on the eventual sanction imposed by the relevant authorities.

The same applies to Arsenal and the League Cup. Arsenal were beaten by City in the 2018 final, but that does not mean Arsenal would automatically inherit the trophy if City were sanctioned.

Expert opinion has suggested that the eventual punishment could include a substantial financial penalty and a huge points deduction, potentially severe enough to threaten City with relegation.

But until the sanction is formally determined, nobody can say with certainty what punishment Manchester City will receive.

For Gunners fans, therefore, we should lower our expectations from City’s debacle. Even if Manchester City are eventually found guilty after the appeal process and even if they are relegated, Arsenal will not stroll to this season’s title.

Our last match against Brighton and Hove Albion is a huge warning that our squad is not as complete as it is generally acclaimed to be.