Leicester sign Italy-born Nigerian Caleb Okoli from Atalanta

• Published On: 09 July 2024 at 20:12

Caleb Okoli, a Nigerian centre-back born in Italy, has joined Leicester City from Serie A side Atalanta.

The 22-year-old Italian defender signs a five-year contract with the newly promoted Foxes for a reputed cost of roughly €15 million (£12.6 million).

Sports journalist Fabrizio Romano announced this via X on Tuesday, writing, "Official, confirmed." Caleb Okoli joins Leicester City in a €15 million package deal from Atalanta.

Meanwhile, the new signing expressed his delight following the trade.


He stated, "I'm very happy with the decision I made, and I'm very excited to start in the Premier League." Now that I've arrived in Leicester, I'm eager to begin working with my new team."

Okoli spent the previous season on loan at Frosinone, where he played 37 games.

Despite his great achievements, he was unable to avert the club's relegation to Serie B. The young defender advanced through Atalanta's development ranks and spent time on loan at SPAL and Cremonese, gaining significant experience in Italian football.


This is Leicester's third signing of the summer window as they prepare to return to the Premier League.

Caleb Okoli joins teenage midfielder Michael Golding from Chelsea, as well as Fulham free agent Bobby De-Cordova Reid.

Leicester City's transfer activity continues despite the Premier League referring the club to an independent commission in March for possible violations of profitability and sustainability rules (PSR).

The recent sale of homegrown talent Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to Chelsea is anticipated to allay any fears regarding PSR compliance.

The Foxes are also set to make Abdul Fatawu's loan move from Sporting Lisbon permanent for a sum of £14 million ($16.4 million), adding to their squad for the coming season.