Share
By Peter Akinbo
Nigerian goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye, has has completed a move to Serie A side Udinese, signing a four-year deal with the Italian club, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Okoye joined the Zebras from Sky Bet Championship club Watford.
Watford FC confirmed Okoye’s departure on their official website and on their social media page on Thursday, stating, “Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has completed a permanent transfer to Udinese. Best of luck for the future, Madu!”
The 23-year-old spent one season at Watford, following his arrival from Eredivisie side, Sparta Rotterdam, last summer.
Okoye initially signed for the Hornets in January 2022 before joining up with the squad ahead of the 2022/23 season.
The Super Eagles goalkeeper made a name for himself playing for Sparta but endured a torrid time in England where he amassed two appearances in the 2022/23 season, one in the Carabao Cup and the other in the FA Cup. His lack of minutes cost him his place in the national team, with Hapoel Jerusalem shot stopper Adebayo Adeleye quickly emerging as the new national team keeper.
Watford axed Okoye from their squad for the 2023/24 season three weeks ago, but their sister club Udinese stepped in to save his career. He will compete with Marco Silvestri and teenage goalkeeper Edoardo Piana for a place in the starting XI for Udinese.
Okoye will play alongside fellow Nigerians Isaac Success and Kingsley Ehizibue at the DACIA Arena this season, and will be keen to win back his spot in the national team.