Italian Serie A side, Udinese, have blocked a transfer move for Super Eagles goalkeeper from Torino, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 24-year-old started last season as The Little Zebras’ second-choice goalkeeper but broke into the starting eleven as time went on, and became a crucial part of the team as they fought off relegation to stay in the Italian top-flight.
Earlier in the transfer window, the former Watford goalkeeper was linked with a move to Italian Champions, Inter Milan, but the move was not a viable one as he’d play second fiddle to one of Europe’s best goalkeepers, Yann Sommer. The Nerrazuri eventually opted to sign Josep Martínez from Genoa.
Calcio Mercato journalist, Alfredo Pedulla, revealed Maduka had an offer from Torino, who have lost trust in their first-choice goalkeeper, Vanja Milinković-Savić.
The Turin-based club tabled a bid for Maduka, but Udinese, who are not ready to part ways with their number-one goalkeeper, rejected their offer.
L’#Udinese ha respinto un tentativo del #Torino per il portiere #Okoye. Evidentemente #MilinkovicSavic non ha il massimo della fiducia
— Alfredo Pedullà (@AlfredoPedulla) August 9, 2024
Maduka’s contract runs till the summer of 2027, and as per Transfermarkt, the 1.97m tall goalkeeper is worth about four million euros, but Udinese might want more than that if they’re to part ways with their first-choice stopper.
The Super Eagles goalkeeper was in action as Udinese kicked their season off in perfect style, claiming a 4-0 victory over Serie C side, Avellino.