Serie A transfer: Sampdoria face Turkish battle for free-agent Nigeria striker Okereke

Nigerian striker David Okereke has been linked him with a move to Italian Serie B side Sampdoria following the end of his contract with Cremonese, Socccernet.ng reports.

After being attached to Serie A clubs for several years, the 28-year-old officially became a free agent on July 1 when his troubled four-year stay at Cremonese came to an end. Without a transfer fee attached to his name, several clubs across Europe have started monitoring his situation, with Sampdoria among the strongest early contenders, according to AfricaSoccer.

The Genoa-based club are rebuilding after another campaign in Italy's second division and are looking to strengthen their attack as they target promotion back to Serie A. Signing an experienced striker without paying a transfer fee would allow Sampdoria to invest more of their budget in other positions.

This is also not the first time Sampdoria have tried to bring Okereke to the club. During his time at Belgian side Club Brugge, the Blucerchiati showed strong interest in signing the Nigerian. However, the move never happened as Venezia eventually secured him on loan with an option to buy.

A move to Sampdoria would reunite Okereke with a league he knows extremely well. Since arriving in Europe from Abuja Football College in 2015, he has spent most of his professional career in Italy. He first featured for Lavagnese before joining Spezia, where his impressive performances earned him a transfer to Belgian giants Club Brugge in 2019.

After returning to Italy, the Lagos-born forward represented Venezia, Cremonese and Torino before spending the 2024-25 season on loan at Turkish side Gaziantep. Standing at 1.81 metres, Okereke is valued at around €1.40 million after previously reaching a career-high market value of €11 million during his successful spell with Club Brugge.

His ability to play as a central striker, second striker or wide forward makes him an attractive option for Sampdoria as the club looks for attacking depth and versatility ahead of the new Serie B campaign.

Turkish clubs threaten Sampdoria's transfer plans

While Sampdoria may offer familiarity and another opportunity in Italian football, completing a deal will not be straightforward because Turkish clubs are pushing strongly to sign the Nigerian.

Ambitious Super Lig side Kocaelispor have reportedly made Okereke one of their main attacking targets this summer. The club's interest is being driven by technical director Selçuk İnan, who previously worked with the striker during his loan spell at Gaziantep and knows exactly what he can contribute.

That previous relationship could prove decisive. Reports suggest discussions between Kocaelispor and the player have progressed well, with personal terms said to have reached an advanced stage. Since Okereke is available on a free transfer, the Turkish club can focus their financial package on wages and signing bonuses instead of paying a transfer fee.

Kasımpaşa are also keeping a close watch on the situation. The Istanbul-based club want to strengthen their attacking options with a player who already understands the demands of the Turkish Super Lig and has shown he can score consistently.

Okereke's successful spell at Gaziantep explains why interest from Turkey remains strong. During his loan stay, he scored 10 goals and provided three assists in 30 appearances, becoming the club's most reliable attacking player. His pace, movement and versatility left a positive impression, making him a familiar name for several Turkish teams searching for proven attacking quality.