Inter monitor Maduka Okoye as Udinese set €20m valuation

Inter are considering a January move for Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, but have not made an offer and would face a reported asking price of about €20m.

The interest was reported by Italian outlets between 15 and 17 October. TuttoMercatoWeb published its report on 16 October at 10:25, describing the story as an unconfirmed rumour and crediting Il Messaggero Veneto. That newspaper was itself relaying reports originating in Nigeria, according to TuttoMercatoWeb.

Football In Nigeria published its version on 15 October, attributing the information to unnamed Italian media without linking to an original report.

Inter weighing goalkeeping options

Calciomercato.it reported on 17 October at 07:29 that Inter were reviewing the position of Josep “Pepo” Martinez following recent mistakes, including an error in the Champions League against Brugge.

The report said coach Chivu had publicly supported Martinez, while Ivan Provedel could replace him. Okoye was listed among the goalkeepers Inter are monitoring.

Udinese are understood to value the Nigeria international at approximately €20m, with his contract running until June 2028. However, there have been no official contacts between the clubs, and the reported interest amounts to approval of the player rather than an active negotiation.

TuttoMercatoWeb described the €20m valuation as very high and suggested any move would be more likely to take place in January. It identified Bartosz Mrozek, 26, who joined Udinese from Lech Poznan this summer, as a potential replacement for Okoye.

Inter were also interested in Okoye during summer 2024, when they viewed him as a possible long-term successor in goal. Udinese wanted €15m at the time, but the deal collapsed and Inter subsequently signed Martinez from Genoa.

If the current valuation is accurate, Okoye’s price has increased by €5m since then. He joined Udinese from Watford in August 2023 and has remained at the club.

Udinese would appear to hold the stronger position in any negotiations. Okoye still has nearly two years remaining on his contract, meaning the club are under no clear pressure to sell, while Inter have yet to make contact.

A transfer could become more realistic if Martinez’s form continues to decline and Inter are prepared to meet a fee close to the reported figure.

Okoye’s form adds uncertainty

The goalkeeper’s own recent performances may also influence the situation. Football In Nigeria reported that Udinese manager Kosta Runjaic blamed a misunderstanding between Okoye and Nicolo Bertola for the 2-1 defeat by Torino, which was covered by Soccernet at the time.

TuttoMercatoWeb connected the current transfer speculation with that mistake. Further errors could reduce Inter’s interest, while a sustained run of reliable performances could strengthen Okoye’s case.

A move to a Champions League club would increase Okoye’s profile before Nigeria’s AFCON 2027 qualifying run. However, regular first-team football would remain important, and joining Inter would not guarantee him the starting position if Martinez or Provedel retained the gloves.

The January window will determine whether Inter turn their reported interest into a formal bid and whether Udinese soften their €20m valuation.