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David Okereke attracts interest from MLS, Turkey and Belgium after Cremonese exit
David Okereke is attracting interest from clubs in Major League Soccer, Italy, Turkey and Belgium after becoming a free agent when his contract with US Cremonese expired on 1 July.
The 28-year-old former Nigeria youth international is available without a transfer fee, making him an appealing option for clubs looking to strengthen their attack. According to Napoli Magazine, approaches are being considered from several countries, with Okereke’s previous experience in three of those markets adding to his appeal.
Okereke has played in Serie A, the Turkish Super Lig and Belgian football. His three-season spell with Club Brugge remains one of the most successful periods of his career, while his recent loan at Gaziantep FK has strengthened his links with Turkey.
He made 29 appearances in the 2024-25 Super Lig campaign, scoring nine goals and supplying three assists. His goals came as Gaziantep battled to remain in Turkey’s top division, and his form has kept him on the radar of a number of Turkish clubs.
Newly promoted Kocaelispor have placed Okereke high on their list of transfer targets. The club previously looked into signing him permanently, while their current manager is also keen on a reunion after working with the Nigerian during his time at Gaziantep.
Kasımpasa are also competing for his signature and are understood to be preparing an attractive contract. Besiktas, Trabzonspor and Samsunspor have made enquiries about the forward, including his wage demands.
Belgium is another possible destination familiar to Okereke. He joined Club Brugge in July 2019 and won the Belgian top-flight title in the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons, as well as the Belgian Super Cup.
During his time with Club Brugge, Okereke scored 13 goals in 51 league appearances and played in both the UEFA Champions League and Europa League.
Cercle Brugge are among the Belgian clubs interested in bringing him back to the country. They had previously considered a deal worth about €3m while Okereke was still under contract at Cremonese. His current free-agent status means there would be no transfer fee, potentially making negotiations more straightforward.
Other Belgian top-flight sides are also assessing the possibility of signing him. His knowledge of the league could allow him to settle quickly without requiring a lengthy adaptation period.
Interest also extends beyond Europe, with several MLS clubs registering an interest in taking Okereke to the United States. His ability to operate as a central striker or from either wing is viewed as an advantage. That versatility could be particularly valuable in MLS, where attacking players are often expected to change positions during matches and offer pace in transition.
Italy remains another option. Sampdoria are pushing to retain Okereke in the country as the Genoa club attempt to improve their attack while pursuing a return to Serie A.
Okereke began his professional career with Spezia, making his Serie B debut in 2016. He made 54 senior appearances for the club and scored 10 goals, before spending part of 2018 on loan at Cosenza, where he played 24 times and scored four goals.
His performances for Spezia led to his move to Club Brugge in 2019. He later returned to Italy with Venezia on loan during the 2021-22 season, scoring seven goals in 32 Serie A appearances.
Okereke joined Cremonese permanently in 2022 and subsequently spent a short loan spell at Torino in 2024, making nine appearances. He moved to Gaziantep later that year, where his nine goals and three assists in 29 matches represented his most productive recent campaign.
He returned to Cremonese for the 2025-26 season but had fewer opportunities, making 10 appearances and scoring twice before his contract ended.
