Dynamo Dresden complete loan move for Kennedy Okpala from Paderborn

Germany-Nigeria centre-forward Kennedy Okpala has joined Dynamo Dresden from Bundesliga club SC Paderborn on a season-long loan, adding a 21-year-old striker to the 2. Bundesliga side’s squad.

Okpala’s move was completed on 1 September 2026 and runs until 30 June 2027, when he is scheduled to return to Paderborn. The agreement is a loan transfer, with no permanent move attached to the deal.

Born in Neustadt an der Weinstraße, Okpala holds German and Nigerian nationality. The 1.85m forward is naturally right-footed and operates primarily through the centre of the attack.

He arrives in Dresden after spending the opening part of the 2026-27 campaign with Paderborn. The transfer represents a move from Germany’s top flight to the second tier, with Okpala now joining Dynamo Dresden for the remainder of the season.

Paderborn signed Okpala from SV Waldhof Mannheim for €550,000 on 2 January 2026. He had previously progressed into Mannheim’s senior set-up after playing for the club’s under-19 and under-17 sides.

During his time with Waldhof Mannheim, Okpala was part of the squad that won the Baden Cup in the 2025-26 season. That remains the forward’s recorded senior honour before his switch to Dresden.

Okpala’s current agreement with Paderborn is due to expire on 30 June 2027, matching the scheduled end of his spell at Dynamo Dresden. His arrival therefore gives him an opportunity to spend the season with Dresden while remaining contracted to his parent club.

The striker has not yet made an appearance for Paderborn in the Bundesliga or DFB-Pokal during the 2026-27 campaign, and he has also not featured for Dynamo Dresden since completing the move. His transfer was registered on the opening day of September.

Dynamo Dresden have now secured Kennedy Okpala from SC Paderborn on loan through to 30 June 2027.