Torino Eyes Caleb Okoli as Defensive Overhaul Looms

Torino is reportedly exploring options to strengthen its defense, with Caleb Okoli of Leicester City emerging as a primary target. The Italian club is facing a substantial reshuffling of its defensive unit, with several players expected to leave.

Defensive Departures

The upcoming season will see a significant change in Torino’s defense. Marianucci, Ebosse, and Maripan are all set to depart the club. This leaves a considerable gap in the backline that the Granata are keen to fill. Among the current defenders, only Ismajili appears to have a secure future at the club. The situation for Coco, who arrived two years ago from Las Palmas, remains uncertain, with a potential move to Espanyol being discussed.

Okoli’s Potential Move

Caleb Okoli, a 2001-born central defender, has attracted the attention of Torino’s transfer market officials, according to reports from La Stampa. Okoli, who previously played for Frosinone and Atalanta, is currently with Leicester City. Following Leicester’s recent relegation from the Championship to League One, several players from their squad have come under the scrutiny of Serie A clubs. Okoli is seen by some Italian club directors as a potential reinforcement. The Vicenza-born defender, of Nigerian descent, is reportedly ready to return to Italy and reclaim the form he displayed earlier in his career, including with the Italian youth national teams.

Torino’s Defensive Woes

Last season, Torino’s defense was one of the least effective in Serie A, conceding the second-highest number of goals in the league. This statistic underscores the urgency for the club to address its defensive frailties. The potential acquisition of Okoli could be a significant step in revitalizing the team’s backline.

Key facts

The potential arrival of Okoli signifies Torino’s ambition to rebuild its defense and improve its league standing. For fans of the club, this move could signal a renewed focus on defensive solidity.

Source: TuttoMercatoWeb – https://www.tuttomercatoweb.com/serie-a/restyling-difesa-torino-rimanere-forse-entrata-piace-okoli-2248827