Celtic-linked Elfsborg centre-back Joseph Okumu has left an open invitation for clubs to pitch their projects to him this summer.
Okumu has been linked with Celtic, Rangers, Gent, Lorient, and Reims in recent days after a big season in Sweden. The report from Swedish outlet Aftonbladet claimed that Ligue 1 club Lorient had submitted a £2.5million bid for his services.
Celtic will be in the market for centre-backs this summer, with Kris Ajer set to depart and a replacement needing to be found. The Kenyan international has featured 41 times for Elfsborg since signing from Real Monarchs in the US [Transfermarkt]. His displays have wowed his current club in particular, with sporting director Stefan Andreasson labelling him the “best centre-back” ever seen in the Allsvenskan [Daily Record].
And when asked whether he would be open to a move to France, Okumu refused to commit. Instead, he admitted it was more about the club and its vision as opposed to the country.
“It’s more about the project than about the country”
Speaking to Swedish website Fotboll Direkt, Okumu said: “Yes, definitely [I will take the next step]. The most important thing is that I have already made an impression here. When I have done that, and both me and the club are satisfied, I think we have the same interests here that I will take the next step.
“France is a good place. But it’s more about the project than about the country. It’s about what they want with me. If I go, I want it to be somewhere where I can make an impression, show my qualities. Not somewhere where I’m just part of the team but I want to play a big role.
“But at the moment I am in Elfsborg and my focus will be there. Until something happens, it will be, when or if it happens, you have to adjust to something else. But right now I’m here.”
If Celtic move for Joseph Okumu, he’ll certainly get his wish
Okumu certainly comes across well when you watch clips of him in action. The big Kenyan appears to be extremely comfortable on the ball and has good ability when it comes to passing it out from the back. In addition to that, he appears to have strong positional awareness and looks powerful in the tackle.
You don’t get called the best ever centre-back to have played in Swedish football without having some qualities. However, £2.5m is hardly a major splash in the ocean. not for someone with Okumu’s reputation.
It’s encouraging to hear that he isn’t totally blown away by the potential of playing in one of Europe’s top leagues. He appears to be more committed to seeing what the actual project ensues. Something that could give Celtic a leg-up here given we’re embarking on a new rebuild this summer.
If Okumu was to be signed, it would surely be as Ajer’s replacement. That means he would be given a massive role at Celtic Park next season, something he says he wants whoever he moves on to.
Of course, this is all assuming that Okumu is wanted by Ange Postecoglou when he arrives. It could be the case that the next Celtic boss has other targets in mind. It’s more than likely Celtic are putting reports together for the new boss to peruse. Nothing can be deemed certain until the hotseat has been filled and official offers have been made.
But Okumu looks like he could be one of many potential centre-back options this summer.
In other news, this potential Celtic transfer policy would mean several stars won’t be here for the UCL qualifiers.
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