Nigerian forward David Okereke could switch from one Turkish second-division side, Gaziantep F.K., to another, Kocaelispor, after the latter made formal approaches, Footy-Africa has exclusively learned.
The 28-year-old spent last season at Gaziantep on loan from Italian outfit Cremonese. While he still has a year remaining on his contract with Cremonese, a transfer could materialize in the upcoming window if all parties involved reach an agreement.
A source close to the player’s agent, Patrick Bastianelli, disclosed that Kocaelispor has expressed strong interest in securing Okereke’s services but dismissed reports that a deal has already been finalized.
“Kocaelispor have been in contact with both Cremonese and the player (Okereke), but there’s no agreement yet at this point. However, they are really serious and are pushing for the signature in the next few days. Cremonese are demanding a fee in the region of €1.7 million, and once this is agreed on Kocaelispor’s side, it’ll be done,” the source told Footy-Africa in an exclusive interview.
Okereke, whose Transfermarkt valuation is estimated at €2.2 million, made 30 appearances on loan at Gaziantep, scoring eight goals and providing three assists. He also had a brief loan stint at Italian Serie A side Torino during the 2023/24 season, where he made nine appearances.
At Cremonese, he featured in 57 matches across one-and-a-half seasons in all competitions, scoring 11 goals and providing three assists. In the past, the forward has played for Venezia, Cosenza, and Spezia in Italy, as well as Club Brugge in the Belgian top flight.
On the international stage, while he has received several call-ups to Nigeria’s senior national team, the Super Eagles, he has yet to earn a competitive cap.
