Maduka Okoye: Super Eagles goalkeeper reveals why his transfer to Inter Milan collapsed

• Nigerian shot-stopper Maduka Okoye has witnessed his stock rise since his transfer to Italian Serie A outfit Udinese
• The former Watford star has continued to attract transfer interest from several clubs within and outside Italy
• The 26-year-old, in a recent interview, detailed why a reported transfer to league champions Inter Milan fell through

Maduka Okoye’s stock has risen dramatically following his transfer to Udinese.

The Nigerian shot-stopper, who displaced veteran Marco Silvestri to become the Bianconeri’s first choice, has seen his goalkeeping heroics draw attention from several top clubs.

Okoye's impressive performances played a crucial role in helping Udinese avoid relegation at the end of the 2023/24 season, sparking interest from Inter Milan.

Maduka Okoye warms up prior to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2021 match between Guinea-Bissau and Nigeria at Stade Roumde Adjia in Garoua on January 19, 2022. Image: Daniel Beloumou.
Source: Getty Images

However, despite the links to the Italian champions, the move ultimately collapsed.

In a recent interview, the Super Eagles goalkeeper revealed the reasons behind the breakdown of his proposed transfer to Inter.

Okoye speaks on failed Inter transfer

In an interview captured by Transfermarkt, the 26-year-old explained that Udinese's €15 million transfer demand became the stumbling block in what was initially shaping up to be a swift deal.

Okoye explained that negotiations stalled for a while before Inter Milan shifted their attention to Josep Martínez.

"Yes, it was a serious possibility and caused quite a stir," Okoye said. "Udinese wanted €15 million. There was some back-and-forth, and for a while, I thought I was ahead. But in the end, Inter chose Genoa's Josep Martínez. His release clause made the deal easier from their perspective."

Despite the missed opportunity, Okoye made it clear that he has no regrets about the failed move to Inter and has pledged his short-term commitment to Udinese, emphasizing that he isn't considering a transfer when the window reopens in January 2025.

"I'm not disappointed. I'm happy to stay at Udinese. Of course, Inter would have been a dream, but I’m not dwelling on it—I’ll keep moving forward. With hard work and consistent performances, opportunities like this can come again. But I don't see myself at another club in January."

The Nigerian goalkeeper, who is expected to pose a significant challenge to Stanley Nwabali during the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, has already registered two clean sheets and saved a penalty in his seven appearances for Udinese, according to FotMob.

While a move away from Udinese so far has failed, the continued interest Okoye is attracting suggests his future could still be in play.

Maduka Okoye grateful to Gernot Rohr

Legit.ng reported that Okoye appreciates Gernot Rohr for helping him to fulfil his dream of playing for the Super Eagles and becoming a first-team regular.

Rohr handed Okoye his debut in 2019 after about two years of watching him. The Udinese goalkeeper was born in Germany but opted to represent the country of his father.

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Source: Legit.ng