Goalkeeper of the senior national team of Nigeria Maduka Okoye has confirmed the interest of Ajax in signing him from Sparta Rotterdam at the end of this season.
Reports came out last week that the Dutch giants are chasing the 21 year old who has impressed in his first season at Sparta Rotterdam and Okoye has now confirmed that talks about a move is on.
“It was all swift, but it is true,” Okoye said in an exclusive interview with Transfermarkt. “Ajax has phoned Sparta but not me or my agency Prime11. I haven’t talked to them directly.” Ajax boss Edwin van der Sar—one of the best goalkeepers in history—has phoned Sparta’s sporting director Henk van Stee. “I have a very close relationship with van Stee and my coach Henk Fraser and I am sure that should it become concrete with Ajax, I will be the first to find out about it,”
Okoye said. “A rumor of this magnitude reflects my current performances. I give everything in training and during games. I do it for the team, the fans, and the people around me. We have one common goal: to stay in the league. And should I benefit from my performances then that is a bonus.”
He however said he will like to remain at Sparta Rotterdam for another season preferably on loan if he signs for Ajax or any other team as he want to further develop by having regular run of games with the modest Dutch side.
“I think it would be a good idea for a big team to buy me but then loan me back for one or two years to Sparta,” Okoye said.
“That way Sparta could earn some money and I can continue to play regularly, to develop my game. When the new club is ready to hand me the number one spot then I could move there—similar to how Chelsea has done it in the past.”
