Joseph Okumu first arrived in Europe when IF Elfsborg signed him in 2019, and since then he has established himself as one of the key players for the Swedish club.
The defender’s form has caught the attention of several clubs. Last week, Sportbladet reported Celtic and Rangers are among the five clubs that ‘want to sign’ the 24-year-old.
It was also explained joining Steven Gerrard’s side would entice the centre-back, while Celtic’s offer is lower than the proposal made by FC Lorient.
With claims of Rangers and Celtic being interested in the Kenya international, Fotbolldirekt.se interviewed the player to get his thoughts on the recent rumours linking him with a move away from Elfsborg.
“Yes, definitely [will take the next step]. The most important thing is that I have already made an impression here. When I have done that, and both I and the club are satisfied… I think we have the same interests here, that I will take the next step,” he said.
“I don’t know, I let my agent take care of it. When there is something concrete, he will let me know, but we have not talked about this, so I am not so sure about it,” Okumu explained.
“I prefer that he lets me know when it’s really concrete. Until then, I want to stay away from it, as it takes a lot of energy. So, I stay in the background around all this.”
When specifically quizzed if he prefers a move to France, Okumu said: “France is a good place. But it’s more about the project than about the country. It’s about what they want with me.
“If I go, I want it to be somewhere where I can make an impression, show my qualities. Not somewhere where I’m just part of the team, I want to play a big role.
“At the moment I am at Elfsborg and my focus will be there. Until something happens, it will be, when or if it happens, you have to adjust to something else. But right now, I’m here.”
Okumu has already admitted he is willing to change clubs and Elfsborg are ready to do business this summer. The player has also made clear what he wants to make a switch. It’s now down to the suitors to meet the player’s demands, if they want to secure his services.
Over to Celtic and Rangers.
