OFFICIAL: Maduka Okoye extends Contract with Udinese

20 Agusta, 2024 EJIM KAYCEE BETHEL

Maduka Okoye signs a new four-year contract with Udinese, ending transfer speculation.
The Nigerian goalkeeper's impressive performances earned him a new deal, solidifying his position as the team's primary goalkeeper.

Through a statement on their official website, Italian Serie A club Udinese Calcio have confirmed that Nigerian international goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has signed a new four-year contract, tying him to the club until June 30, 2028. This development brings an end to the intense speculation surrounding his future, with reputable sources linking him to powerhouses Inter Milan and Torino.

The 24-year-old's remarkable performances in the 2023-2024 season, including five clean sheets in the Italian top flight, earned him a well-deserved new deal. He demonstrated exceptional skill, dedication, and a strong work ethic, solidifying his position as the team's primary goalkeeper. Okoye's impressive displays were instrumental in Udinese's successful bid to maintain their Serie A status.

The Bayer Leverkuesen alumni joined Udinese from Watford in the summer of 2023 but initially struggled to break into the starting lineup. He was relegated to the bench for sixteen consecutive Serie A matches, fueling concerns about his future at the club. However, after a standout Serie A debut against Bologna, which saw him post a clean sheet in a resounding 3-0 victory, Okoye seized his opportunity and never looked back. He went on to appear in 21 league games, conceding 27 goals in 2010 minutes of action, and established himself as one of the top goalkeepers in the Italian top flight.

The former Sparta Rotterdam glovesman was recalled to the Super Eagles squad for their June internationals against South Africa's Bafana Bafana and Benin's Cheetahs. Although he did not make an appearance, his inclusion in the squad serves as a testament to his growing reputation and recognition at the international level.

Maduka Okoye's contract extension with Udinese is a significant development, securing the goalkeeper's services for the next four years. This move demonstrates the club's confidence in Okoye's abilities and commitment to building a strong team and push for the European places