Torino are continuing their pursuit of Leicester City centre-back Caleb Okoli, with the player reportedly keen on a return to Serie A. The 2001-born defender is hoping a move back to Italy will boost his chances of further international recognition with the national team, having previously earned call-ups during Luciano Spalletti’s tenure as manager.
Okoli’s recent season with Leicester has been difficult, as the club suffered relegation to League One, the third tier of English football. He joined Leicester from Atalanta in the summer of 2022, initially on loan before making the move permanent, but struggled to establish himself as a regular starter during his time at the King Power Stadium. He made 16 appearances across all competitions for the Foxes last season, but was unable to prevent their dramatic fall from the Championship.
Torino have previously shown interest in Okoli, and the player’s desire to return to Italy could facilitate negotiations. The club are looking to strengthen their defensive options ahead of the upcoming Serie A campaign, and Okoli’s Serie A experience – he previously played for Brescia and Udinese – makes him an attractive option. While a fee has not yet been disclosed, Leicester’s relegation may make them more willing to negotiate a reasonable deal for a player who does not feature in their long-term plans.
Okoli’s international appearances for Italy came in friendly matches and a World Cup qualifier in 2022, demonstrating his potential on the international stage. A consistent run of games in Serie A could provide him with the platform to recapture the attention of the national team selectors. Torino finished tenth in Serie A last season and will be aiming for a European qualification spot in the upcoming campaign, with a strengthened defence playing a key role in those ambitions.
Should Okoli complete a move to Torino, it would represent a significant opportunity for him to reignite his career and push for a place in the Italian national squad, while simultaneously addressing Torino’s need for defensive reinforcement.
