Michael Olunga breaks silence on Everton transfer links

FOOTBALL Michael Olunga breaks silence on Everton transfer links

Kiplagat Sang, Kiplagat Sang • 14:28 - 09.06.2023

The Kenyan striker has been linked with a summer move after an impressive campaign in Qatar.

Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga has responded to rumors that he is on his way out of Al Duhail SC.

Recently, the towering striker has been linked with a number of clubs, including Everton, Galatasaray, and Corinthians in Brazil.

The former Gor Mahia forward has said whatever is in store for him in the transfer window is beyond his control.

"I can't say so much at the moment," Olunga told the press. "I think it's time for me to focus on the national team duties ahead of us and relax following the tough season I have had in Qatar.

"It was fantastic for me to win three top scorer's awards in different competitions. I feel amazing and did a great job. Normally, I don't like to speculate on some things, for I can control what is within my jurisdiction, which is playing football.

"Whatever happens behind the scenes between the clubs and management is beyond my control."

The former Gor Mahia striker also spoke about the upcoming Four-Nation Tournament for Harambee Stars.

"It is always a pleasure to be back, and it is an honour to represent Kenya at this level, and now it is a different assignment; a Four-Nation assignment in Mauritius," he added.

"We want to use it as a build-up and preparation for the World Cup and AFCON qualifiers that are going to start at the end of the year.

"It is a fairly new squad with a lot of fresh faces in the team, and I think it is a good way and an opportunity for the players who have been playing well, especially in the local league, to get a feel for international level.

"It is going to be a good blend, and hopefully we are going to post good performances."

This is the second game Harambee Stars will be playing after the Iran match, which was the first after the FIFA suspension.

To Olunga, the game against the Middle East nation was hard, but it was a good opportunity to learn.

"Of course, against Iran, it was a high-level friendly, opponents who were just in the World Cup, and it was a fantastic game that we played," said the Qatar Stars League (QSL) Golden Boot winner.

"We learned lessons, and we were good for the better part of the game. At the international level, you cannot afford to lose concentration, especially at the last minute.

"We conceded in two set pieces, and I think it is an area we need to work hard on. We also worked on concentration at the beginning and end of the game. It was a good platform for the players to showcase what they are made of," concluded Olunga.