Okoye rules out Udinese exit

Nigerian international goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has definitively ruled out a summer transfer away from Udinese, despite reported interest from prominent European clubs, including Juventus. Okoye, a key player for the Serie A side, has committed his immediate future to the Italian club.

Last season, the 26-year-old custodian recorded 10 clean sheets in 30 league appearances, playing a significant role in Udinese's respectable top-half finish in Italy's top flight. His consistent performances at club level, coupled with his displays for Nigeria in pre-World Cup friendlies against Poland and Portugal, have reportedly attracted attention from several major European teams.

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Of course, I still have goals in my career, but currently my head is complete at Udinese. I enjoy it without thinking too much about the future.

Okoye, currently valued at €10 million by Transfermarkt and with two years remaining on his contract, emphasized his dedication to Udinese. "Of course, I still have goals in my career, but currently my head is complete at Udinese. I enjoy it without thinking too much about the future," Okoye told Transfermarkt. He added, "In football things can change quickly, and if it happens, I know that the club is well positioned and can still earn a nice replacement. But until then, I am 100 percent Udinese professional."

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In football things can change quickly, and if it happens, I know that the club is well positioned and can still earn a nice replacement. But until then, I am 100 percent Udinese professional.

After spending his summer break attending Formula One events and a fashion show in Paris, Okoye has returned to pre-season training with Udinese. He expressed his contentment to be back with the team and fans, eagerly anticipating the upcoming season. "I am happy to be here. We are happy to be here with the fans, and we cannot wait to get started," he stated following Udinese's jersey unveiling for the 2026/27 season.

Okoye aims to build on his strong previous season as pre-season gets underway. He is also preparing to join the Super Eagles squad for Nigeria's 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in September. He is expected to compete for the starting goalkeeper position, especially with the return of Stanley Nwabali to Chippa United. Udinese begins its 2026/27 campaign with a Coppa Italia match against Serie B side Padova on August 15.

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I am happy to be here. We are happy to be here with the fans, and we cannot wait to get started.