Cagliari have submitted a formal offer to Leicester City for centre-back Caleb Okoli, proposing a loan with an option to buy, according to Cagliari News 24.
Leicester have rejected that structure and are holding out for a permanent obligation to buy instead.
Journalist Nicolò Schira reports that Leicester have set their price at around £8 million and want that obligation-to-buy clause written into any agreement, rather than accepting Cagliari’s optional structure.
Both clubs still need to close the gap on the deal’s format and its financial terms before any move can progress, and Cagliari News 24 describes the two sides as some distance apart on the mechanics of the transfer. Cagliari have made clear their interest is genuine and are working to find a compromise that fits both their transfer budget and Leicester’s valuation of the player, rather than walking away from the pursuit at the first rejection.
Okoli, 25, came through Atalanta’s academy after starting out at Vicenza, and spent loan spells at SPAL and Cremonese before establishing himself at Bergamo.
Leicester signed him from Atalanta in July 2024 on a five-year deal, shortly after their promotion back to the Premier League, and he went on to make his competitive debut that September and score his first Premier League goal the following April. Leicester were relegated back to the Championship at the end of last season, and Okoli, who has played at both Serie A and Premier League level, is reportedly keen on a return to Italy.
For Cagliari, adding a centre-back with Serie A pedigree and Premier League experience would strengthen a defence as they look to consolidate their place in the top flight. The loan-with-option route also lets them assess Okoli in Serie A conditions before committing fully, a lower-risk approach given the fee Leicester are demanding.
Status: Talks remain at an early stage. Cagliari have made a formal loan-with-option offer, but Leicester are insisting on an obligation to buy and a fee close to £8 million, and the two clubs have yet to find common ground on structure or price.
Transfer News
Ondřej Lingr closing in on Houston Dynamo exit
Transfer News
Gnangoro Bouaré to Rayo Vallecano: Real Betis set to sell for €0.6m and a sell-on stake
Transfer News
Sami Ouaissa: PSV, Feyenoord and Lille all chasing NEC Nijmegen winger
Transfer News
Lille completes loan signing of Mamelodi Sundowns defender Thato Sibiya
Transfer News
Sparta Prague sign PSG academy product Loic Mbe Soh
Transfer News
Red Star Belgrade completes signing of Korean wonderkid Kim Ye-geon
We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. By using our website you agree to our use of cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
Discover more from NAIRAVOICE.COM.NG
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
