A former Free State Stars player has now been urged to turn down a move to Italy in favour of a switch to England.
According to reports in Kenya, Joseph Okumu is now the subject of potential interest in Europe. South African audiences may remember the player for his one-year stint with Ea Lla Koto between 2016 and 2017.
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Okumu currently plies his trade for French Ligue 1 side Stade Reims, a club he joined in July 2023 in a deal worth €10 million (R194 million) from KAA Gent in Belgium.
According to Pulse Sports Kenya, the now 27-year-old star is linked with a move to Italian giants AS Roma.
However, former Kenya national team captain Dennis Oliech believes that it would be best for Okumu to move to the Premier League or LALIGA instead of Serie A.
"He has to move to the English Premier League in the summer. He has what it takes to thrive in England or Spain," Oliech told SportsBoom.com.
"Okumu has punched above his weight in France, Belgium, and Sweden and ought to test himself in a bigger competition next season.
"His style of play may not be compatible with the demands of the Italian league. Again, his qualities and quick rise suggest that he is better suited for either the EPL or La Liga.
"He is resilient and has overcome significant challenges to rise to where he is now. His agent must capitalise on the strong interest from English clubs to make this move happen in July."
During Okumu's time with Free State Stars, he made just eight appearances for the Bethlehem outfit, according to Transfermarkt.
Notably, Okumu was announced as one of Ea Lla Koto's eight signings for the 2016/17 Absa Premiership season, alongside David Booysen, Thokozane Sekotlong, Charles Kampi, Tebogo Potsane, Tholang Lwana, Christopher Henri Mafoumbi, and Sinethemba Jantjie.
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By Lukhanyo Mtuta
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