David Okereke: Nigeria forward linked with Kocaelispor move from free agency

Nigeria striker David Okereke, currently without a club after leaving Cremonese this summer, is being linked with a move to Turkish Super Lig side Kocaelispor.

The 28-year-old centre-forward became a free agent on 1 July after his spell with the Italian club formally came to an end, opening the door to a potential switch without a transfer fee. Kocaelispor are understood to be exploring attacking options ahead of the new campaign, with Okerekes experience in both Serie A and the Super Lig viewed as a possible fit.

Okereke spent last season under contract with Cremonese but crossed paths with Turkish football when he joined Gaziantep FK on loan in September 2024. He went on to make 29 league appearances in Turkeys top flight, scoring nine goals and providing three assists, and logging more than 2,000 minutes of action.

Prior to his move back to Italy, Okereke enjoyed a successful spell in Belgium with Club Brugge, where he was part of three consecutive title-winning squads between 2019 and 2022. His time there also brought exposure to European competition, including appearances in the Champions League.

Across his career in Italys top two divisions he has featured regularly, with over 150 league games in Serie A and Serie B combined. His current market valuation stands at around 1.4 million, but his free-agent status means any deal for Kocaelispor would be focused on salary and bonuses rather than a transfer fee.

For now, Okereke remains unattached and assessing options as he considers his next move following the end of his contract at Cremonese.