English Premier League Club, Leicester City has finalized the signing of Italy-born Nigerian center-back, Caleb Okoli from Serie A club, Atalanta.
The 22-year-old defender joins the recently promoted Foxes on a five-year contract for a reported fee of around €15 million (£12.6 million). Sports journalist, Fabrizio Romano confirmed the news on X, stating, “Official, confirmed. Caleb Okoli joins Leicester City on €15m package deal from Atalanta.”
Expressing his excitement about the transfer, Okoli said, “I’m very happy with the choice I made, so I’m very excited to start in the Premier League. Now I’m here in Leicester I’m feeling ready to start with my new team.”
Okoli spent the previous season on loan at Frosinone, where he made 37 appearances. Despite his impressive performances, he couldn’t prevent the club’s relegation to Serie B. The young defender progressed through Atalanta’s youth ranks and had loan spells at SPAL and Cremonese, accumulating valuable experience in Italian football.
This transfer marks Leicester’s third signing of the summer window as they prepare for their return to the Premier League. Caleb Okoli joins teenage midfielder Michael Golding, who arrived from Chelsea, and Bobby De-Cordova Reid, a free agent from Fulham.
Leicester City’s transfer activity continues despite the club being referred to an independent commission by the Premier League in March for an alleged breach of profitability and sustainability rules (PSR). The recent sale of homegrown player, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to Chelsea is expected to help alleviate any concerns about PSR compliance.
Additionally, the Foxes are expected to make Abdul Fatawu’s loan move from Sporting Lisbon permanent for a fee of £14 million ($16.4 million), further bolstering their squad for the upcoming season.
