The former Nigerian youth international was a menace for opposition defences in Serie A last term, but it appears he has huge admirers in Turkey as well
Beşiktaş have faced disappointment in their pursuit of Nigerian forward David Okereke, as Cremonese rejected their bid of ₦3.55 billion, Soccernet.ng reports.
Turkish giants Beşiktaş have been actively working on strengthening their offensive line and had set sights on the 25-year-old Nigerian striker from Cremonese.
Before entering negotiations with Cremonese, Beşiktaş had already reached an agreement with Okereke, securing his consent for an annual salary of €1.5 million.
However, the official offer of €4 million (approx. ₦3.55 billion) made by Beşiktaş for Okereke was rejected by Cremonese, according to reports from the Italian press cited by Turkey’s Sporx.
It is believed that Cremonese are holding out for a higher offer, I’m the region of about €6 million. This is the amount Cremonese paid Club Brugge last summer to sign Okereke.
Unfortunately, Okereke’s addition to Cremonese’s attack did not help the club avoid relegation from Serie A at the end of the last season.
Undeterred by the initial setback, Beşiktaş are expected to arrange another meeting with Cremonese soon in a bid to secure the talented Nigerian striker.
Meanwhile, English side Burnley are also reportedly interested in Okereke, adding to the competition for his signature.
Okereke displayed impressive form in the just-concluded campaign, scoring nine goals and providing three assists in 38 appearances. Throughout his career, the 25-year-old forward has amassed 55 goals and numerous assists in 240 matches.
