Beşiktaş Revives Interest in Super Eagles Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye Ahead of January Window

Turkish Super Lig giants Beşiktaş have reportedly renewed their interest in Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, with the Italian Serie A side Udinese reportedly open to letting the Nigerian international leave during the January 2027 transfer window.

According to reports from Italian outlet Tuttomercatoweb, Beşiktaş have placed the 27-year-old shot-stopper on their transfer shortlist as they seek to strengthen their goalkeeping department and provide stronger competition for current first-choice Alexander Nübel.

The Istanbul-based club had previously shown interest in Okoye during the summer transfer window but failed to complete a deal.

Okoye has endured a difficult 2026-27 campaign with Udinese, who sit at the bottom of the Serie A table.

The former Watford and Sparta Rotterdam goalkeeper has conceded 25 goals in 10 league appearances, managing only two clean sheets in 12 matches across all competitions.

Despite his struggles in Italy, Beşiktaş remain convinced of his qualities and are reportedly considering a winter move.

A report from Udinese-focused publication Mondo Udinese, citing Italian newspaper Messaggero Veneto, indicates that Udinese could sanction Okoye’s departure in January, with Polish goalkeeper Bartosz Mrozek viewed as a potential replacement.

The report also recalled previous interest from Inter Milan, when Udinese reportedly valued Okoye at around €20 million. His current market value is estimated at €10 million.

Okoye is reportedly open to experiencing Turkish football, though Beşiktaş are yet to announce any official agreement with Udinese.

A move to Istanbul could offer the Nigerian goalkeeper an opportunity to revive his career away from the pressure he has faced in Italy.

The transfer speculation comes amid a challenging period for Okoye on the international stage as well.

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle recently left him out of the squad for Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Tanzania, opting instead for Francis Uzoho, Stanley Nwabali and Arthur Okonkwo.

Chelle insisted the door remains open, stating: “Maduka Okoye is in the national team. I made the choice like the other players. The national team is not closed to him or them. I made my choice”.

Chelle added that his decision was based on factors beyond on-pitch performance: “When I made my choice, it was based on what happened on the pitch and around it. We need to have a good position in the group. How do we feel within that group?” . Okoye’s omission followed a difficult spell that included reporting late to the Super Eagles camp during the September international break.

Beşiktaş technical director Vincenzo Italiano is reportedly keen to bring Okoye to Istanbul, with the Italian coach also said to be interested in Udinese defender Oumar Solet as he looks to reinforce his defensive options.

The Turkish club are expected to make their move when the winter transfer market opens.