English Premier League side Leeds have initiated contact with French League 2 side Reims FC, for the possible signing of Kenyan international and defender Joseph Okumu, Footy-Africa can exclusively confirm.
Leeds intend to sign the central defender, whose contract with Reims still has three years before expiration. Apparently, the 28-year-old is open to an exit from Reims following the club’s relegation from the top-flight to the second division.
And, Leeds, who just recently qualified to the Premier League, are bolstering their squad for next season, and are keen on netting the experienced and versatile defender. A source at Elite Project Group Limited, who represent Okumu, has exclusively told Footy-Africa that Leeds is set to offer €4.5 million to Reims.
“The contact was initiated on Thursday week, with Leeds really serious and keen in their interest for Joseph (Okumu). They want to offer €4.5 million with a four-year contract on the table. The rest now lies with Reims on whether they are willing to sell him, because the player wants the move. The initial talks were positive, so a move is likely,” the source exclusively disclosed to Footy-Africa.
Okumu joined Reims at the start of the 2023/24 season, and has since played 51 games across all competitions, chipping in with two goals. He joined them from Belgian side KAA Gent, but has also previously played for IF Elfsborg, Real Mornachs and Free State Stars.
Meanwhile, the player, whose Transfermarkt valuation is estimated at €7 million, has featured 26 times for the Kenyan senior national team, the Harambee Stars, having made his debut in 2016.
Leeds are the latest side to express interest in signing Okumu, with Italian Serie A side AS Roma also making contact with Reims weeks back.
