With Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye sidelined by a wrist injury, Udinese have acted decisively in the January transfer window, securing the services of Norwegian shot-stopper Egil Selvik on a free transfer.
The 27-year-old Selvik, who joins from Norwegian side Haugesund, arrives as a stopgap solution to bolster a goalkeeping department stretched thin by injuries and a lack of depth.
In Okoye’s absence, 22-year-old Razvan Sava has shown glimpses of his potential, recording back-to-back clean sheets in Serie A. The Romanian put up a commanding performance against Hellas Verona and followed it up with two crucial saves in a 0-0 draw against Atalanta.
Despite Sava’s commendable efforts, Udinese’s reliance on him and 39-year-old veteran Daniele Padelli left the squad exposed. Selvik’s signing addresses this vulnerability, with the Norwegian set to wear the number 1 jersey, a clear indication of the club’s confidence in his abilities.
What Selvik’s arrival means for Okoye
Okoye’s injury, sustained in a Serie A clash with Genoa in December 2024, involved damage to the scapholunate ligament in his right wrist.
Following surgery, recovery timelines for such injuries often extend beyond six months. This means the Nigeria international is unlikely to return before mid-2025, leaving Udinese without their first-choice goalkeeper for a significant portion of the campaign.
The 25-year-old has been a key figure since his move from Watford, featuring in 36 of Udinese’s 37 matches across all competitions in 2023. His commanding presence in goal has been sorely missed.
A Norwegian football podcaster on X, formerly known as Twitter, described Selvik’s move as a risky gamble.
“Once again, a Norwegian goalkeeper is taking a chance with their choice of club when moving to Europe.
“Okoye is a very solid keeper, having conceded just 21 goals in 14 games this season, and he’s also younger than Selvik. While Okoye is sidelined for a couple of months, giving Selvik time to prove himself, I still believe this is a risky move.”
While Selvik provides much-needed cover, his signing raises questions about Okoye’s role upon his return. For now, Selvik is expected to deputize for Sava, but strong performances from the Norwegian could increase competition in goal.
Despite this, Okoye’s status as one of Udinese’s most valuable players remains unchallenged. The club’s decision to opt for an economical short-term solution rather than invest heavily in a replacement underscores their belief in the Nigerian's abilities.
