Nigerian forward David Okereke, who had an excellent year for demoted Venezia FC last year, has been linked to Serie A team Torino.
Okereke, who was playing for Venezia on loan from Belgian powerhouse Club Brugge, was one of the team’s bright spots during a challenging season that resulted in relegation to Serie B.
The 24-year-old added another assist to his seven goals, which included a magnificent game-winning goal in a surprising victory against AS Roma under Jose Mourinho. However, it was not enough to maintain the Winged Lions in the top division of Italian football.
The logical next step would be to return to his parent club, Brugge, but Okereke has made it clear that he does not see his future in Belgium.
Okereke was acquired by Club Brugge from Spezia for a club-record €8 million in 2019.
His contract with the Belgian champions has just one year left, and it is believed that they would be open to letting the former under-23 star of Nigeria depart for the correct price.
Okereke is a favorite of former Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri, and sources indicate that Lazio are considering a move for the dynamic forward.
Torino are reportedly interested in Okereke as well, with technical director Davide Vagnati citing the dynamic attacker as a player who may improve Il Toro’s attacking profile, according to Voetbal Belgium.
Okereke, who is skilled at playing as a center-forward, right winger, and left winger, has a current market worth of 4.5 million euros according to Transfermarkt.
He made his professional debut in the Serie B for Spezia on April 9, 2016 in a game against Novara. In 2018–19 season, he scored 10 goals and 12 assists in 33 games.
On July 9, 2019, he signed a four-year contract with Club Brugge. On August 12, 2021, Okereke joined newly promoted Serie A club Venezia on a season-long loan with an option to make the transfer permanent.
