)
The Super Eagles shot-stopper has shed light on the specifics of a failed move to one of Europe’s leading sides in the previous window.
Nigerian goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has revealed that he was close to joining Inter Milan this summer, confirming transfer rumours that circulated during the transfer window before extending his Udinese stay.
Okoye explains why Inter switch broke down
)
In an interview with Transfermarkt via Sempre Inter, the Super Eagles shot-stopper shared that Inter were keen to secure his services as a long-term successor to their current goalkeeper, Yann Sommer.
Despite his consistent performances, the Nerazzurri’s pursuit of the 25-year-old stemmed from their need to find a younger replacement for the 35-year-old Swiss.
However, negotiations between Inter and Udinese, Okoye's current club, hit a snag due to Udinese's €15 million valuation of the player.
)
“Yes, it was a concrete thing and it also caused quite a stir,” said the Nigerian. “Udinese wanted €15 million. There was a bit of coming and going.
“I felt ahead for a while, but, in the end, the choice fell on Genoa’s Josep Martínez. Martínez’s release clause obviously facilitated the negotiation from Inter’s point of view.”
Martinez is expected to serve as Sommer's backup this season before potentially taking over the starting role between the sticks at Inter.
)
Despite the failed move, Okoye remains optimistic and dedicated to Udinese. He acknowledges that joining Inter would have been a dream but emphasises his commitment to his current club.
“I’m not sad about this, I’m happy to continue to be at Udinese,” he continued. “Surely Inter would have been a dream, but I don’t stress and I will continue to look ahead.”
What next for Okoye?
The goalkeeper should make his eighth Serie A start for Udinese after the international break when the fifth-placed side travel to AC Milan on October 19.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)