Super Eagles: What stands in Okoye’s way of joining Inter Milan

Super Eagles and Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has continued to attract interest from Inter Milan and the Italian champions are keen to secure his services as they look to strengthen their goalkeeping department.

The 26-year-old has established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in Serie A since joining Udinese from English side Watford in 2023.

Since making the move, Okoye has made 85 appearances across all competitions for the Italian club, including all six of their league matches so far this season.

The Super Eagles goalkeeper also played an important role in Udinese’s impressive campaign last season, keeping 10 clean sheets as they finished in the top half of the Serie A table for the first time since the 2012/13 season, when they finished fifth and his performances also earned him the club’s Player of the Season award.

Although Okoye is still searching for his first clean sheet of the current campaign, his performances have continued to attract attention, with Inter Milan currently leading the race for his signature.

However, despite their interest, the Italian giants could face a major obstacle if they decide to push ahead with a move for the Super Eagles star in the January transfer window.

Super Eagles: What could stop Okoye from joining Inter Milan?

According to OneFootball, Udinese value Okoye at around €20 million and that fee could complicate Inter Milan’s efforts to sign him.

The asking price could prove to be the biggest stumbling block, as Inter are unwilling to meet Udinese’s valuation. If the two clubs fail to agree on a fee, a potential move could be difficult to complete.

However, considering Okoye’s performances and his standing among Serie A goalkeepers, it is not a surprise that Udinese are demanding such an amount for their first-choice shot-stopper.

Inter are looking to strengthen their goalkeeping options following Yann Sommer’s departure in the summer and are very keen to address their inconsistency in goal this season, with Josep Martínez yet to fully convince.

Okoye’s experience in Serie A and his performances for Udinese could make him an attractive option for the Italian giants. However, whether Inter are prepared to pay the €20 million asking price remains a key question.

The Super Eagles goalkeeper also attracted interest from other clubs last summer, with Juventus among the clubs keen on signing him.

For now, Okoye will be focused on improving his performances and helping Udinese recover from their poor start to the league campaign as they look to climb the Serie A standings.

Udinese face Lecce on Sunday and a win would see them move further up on the Italian league table.