Transfers: Torino join Lazio in the race for versatile Nigerian forward

A return to the Italian Serie A is looking increasingly likely with every passing second for a former Nigerian youth international who does not want to continue in Belgium

Serie A side Torino have been linked with an interest in Nigerian forward David Okereke, who performed decently for relegated Venezia FC last season.

On loan from Belgian giants Club Brugge, Okereke was one of the shining lights for Venezia in a difficult campaign that ended in demotion to Serie B.

The 24-year-old scored seven goals – including a fine winner in a shocking victory over Jose Mourinho’s AS Roma – and added another assist. Still, it was ultimately not enough to keep the Winged Lions in the Italian top flight.

A return to his parent club, Brugge, is logically the next step, but Okereke has clarified that he does not see his future in Belgium.

Club Brugge paid a club-record €8 million to sign Okereke from Spezia in 2019.

There is only one year left on his contract with the Belgian champions, and it is understood that they would be willing to let the former Nigerian under-23 star leave at the right price.

Former Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri is a big fan of Okereke, and reports already suggest that Lazio are pondering over a move for the exciting forward.

And according to Voetbal Belgie, Torino are also keen on Okereke, with technical director Davide Vagnati identifying the versatile attacker as a player who could boost Il Toro’s attacking profile.

Adept at playing as a centre-forward, right-winger, and left-winger, Okereke’s market value is currently pegged at 4.5 million euros per Transfermarkt.