Six-goal Nigerian striker to return to Belgium after disappointing end to Serie A season

There are four more rounds to the end of the Italian top-flight, and it will take a miracle for the Winged Lions to avoid the drop to the lower league

Venezia FC will not give former Nigeria youth international striker David Okereke a permanent contract if the club gets relegated from the Serie A at the end of the season, according to Calcio Mercato.

Okereke joined Venezia in August on a season-long loan deal from Belgian champions Club Brugge after the Winged Lions gained promotion to the Italian elite division via the play-offs.

Six goals and one assist in 29 Serie A matches – the third-highest goal contribution from any Venezia player – show that Okereke has not been a failure in Italy.

But despite the 24-year-old’s best efforts, Venezia are presently stuck at the foot of the league table, six points from safety with only four matches remaining.

With a return to the Serie B looking more likely with every passing minute, Venezia are not willing to take up their option to sign Okereke on a permanent deal.

The Nigerian striker will not be excited about the prospect of returning to Club Brugge, where he only featured in one league match throughout last season.