Inter and Udinese have reportedly opened negotiations over Nigerian goalkeeper Maduka Okoye’s switch to Giuseppe Meazza. According to renowned transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio, the 24-year-old ranks high on the Nerazzurri wishlist, with the club recently initiating talks with the Friulians.
Despite acquiring Yann Sommer only last summer, Inter remain in the market for a new shot-stopper. The 35-year-old Swiss star was one of the protagonists as Simone Inzaghi’s side brought Serie A to its knees in 2023/24, racking up 19 clean sheets in top-flight action.
Sommer joined Inter as a replacement for Andre Onana, who left the club last summer to team up with Manchester United. Though the ex-Bayern Munich keeper excelled in his maiden Serie A season, his career has reached twilight, forcing the 20-time Italian champions to search for a more sustainable option.
Genoa’s Josep Martinez has emerged as a potential candidate for a place between the sticks amid the club’s complex pursuit of Athletico Paranaense star Bento. However, Inter are exploring other avenues, with Okoye landing on Beppe Marotta’s radar after a fantastic season at Udinese.
Previously contracted with Watford and Sparta Rotterdam, Okoye signed for Udinese in August 2023. Initially a backup option for Marco Silvestri, he dislodged the ex-Hellas Verona man midway through the campaign and established himself as a regular starter.
Okoye’s early days in Serie A have impressed Inter. Inzaghi’s side would have to splash out around €12 million plus add-ons to take him to Meazza. That’s half the amount they would’ve had to pay for Bento, increasing the likelihood of the Nigerian’s move to Lombardy.
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