Leicester City has finalized the transfer deal of Italy-born Nigerian center-back Caleb Okoli from Serie A side Atalanta.
The 22-year-old defender has inked a five-year deal with the newly promoted Foxes, reportedly for a fee around €15 million (£12.6 million).
Confirming the transfer, renowned sports journalist Fabrizio Romano tweeted on Tuesday, “Officially confirmed. Caleb Okoli joins Leicester City in a €15m deal from Atalanta.”
Expressing his enthusiasm after the move, Okoli remarked, “I’m thrilled with my decision and eager to kick off in the Premier League. Now that I’m here in Leicester, I feel prepared to embark on this new chapter with my team.”
Okoli spent the previous season on loan at Frosinone, featuring in 37 matches. Despite his commendable performances, he couldn’t prevent the club’s relegation to Serie B. He progressed through Atalanta’s youth ranks and gained experience on loan spells at SPAL and Cremonese, honing his skills in Italian football.
This transfer marks Leicester’s third signing of the summer as they gear up for their return to the Premier League. Okoli joins teenage midfielder Michael Golding, signed from Chelsea, and Bobby De-Cordova Reid, a free agent from Fulham.
Leicester City’s ongoing transfer activities come amidst scrutiny, as the club was referred to an independent commission by the Premier League in March over alleged breaches of Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR). The recent sale of homegrown player Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to Chelsea is expected to mitigate concerns regarding PSR compliance.
Furthermore, the Foxes are poised to make Abdul Fatawu’s loan move from Sporting Lisbon permanent for a fee of £14 million ($16.4 million), further strengthening their squad for the upcoming season.
