Leicester open to Okoli exit as Serie A clubs circle
Caleb Okoli’s agent has confirmed Leicester City are prepared to let the defender leave this summer, with Serie A clubs Monza and Torino tracking the former Atalanta centre-back.
Alessandro Barison told Tuttomercatoweb that the Foxes “understand” the Italy international’s ambition to return to a higher competitive level following the club’s relegation to League One.
“We are waiting for Leicester to get back to us,” Barison said. “Some calls and proposals have already arrived. We’ve got to figure out the best way forward for him and the club, so we are evaluating the situation.”
He added: “Caleb is happy at Leicester, but also will not deny he wants to play in a more important league, and Leicester City understand that ambition. They know he deserves a different journey and are ready to let him leave, whether it is on loan or a permanent sale.”
Relegation prompts exit talks
Okoli completed a €14 million move to the King Power Stadium in July 2024, with additional bonuses included in the deal. The 24-year-old—who turns 25 later this month—arrived as part of the club’s squad rebuild following their first relegation, but was unable to prevent an immediate second drop into the third tier of English football.
Despite being contracted until June 2029, the defender is now seeking a return to Italy where he previously gained experience on loan with SPAL, Cremonese and Frosinone after progressing through Atalanta’s youth academy.
Monza and Torino lead chase
Torino and newly-promoted Monza have emerged as potential destinations. Barison indicated they are seeking a project that will restore the player to his previous level while satisfying Leicester’s financial interests.
“Without naming names, I can say we are looking for a project like this which can give Caleb the opportunity to get back to the level where he belongs,” he said. “We also need the proposals to satisfy Leicester, who did after all make an investment on him.”
Okoli has been included in the senior Italy squad but remains uncapped at that level, having represented the Under-21 side on 14 occasions.