Ex-coach reveals Bologna’s interest in Super Eagles hopeful who stunned Mourinho’s Roma

Genoa’s rumoured interest in Nigerian forward David Okereke has been debunked, Soccernet.ng reports.

Instead, it is Serie A contenders Bologna who are diligently working to secure the signature of the versatile Nigerian attacker.

Despite his team, Cremonese, facing relegation, Okereke has reason to be pleased with his individual performance this season in Serie A.

The 25-year-old showcased his prowess by netting an impressive nine goals, with seven coming in the top-flight league.

Additionally, he contributed three assists in a total of 38 appearances across all competitions. However, his efforts were not enough to save Cremonese from the drop to Serie B.

This marks the second consecutive season in which Okereke has recorded seven goals in Serie A.

During the 2021/2022 season, while on loan at Venezia, the former Club Brugge attacker left a lasting impact with a stunning strike that helped his team secure a memorable 3-2 victory over AS Roma under the management of Jose Mourinho.

#Nigeria’s David Okereke with the winner for hosts Venezia as they stun Roma 3-2 in the Serie A.

His third goal of the season sealed Venezia’s third victory of the campaign.

It’s the first time Venezia scored more than two goals in a game this season.pic.twitter.com/szI59cYXIm

— Oluwashina Okeleji (@oluwashina) November 7, 2021

With his consistent goal-scoring abilities in the top flight, it comes as no surprise that Okereke is being linked with a move away from relegated Cremonese.

However, his former coach at Lavagnese, Andrea Dagnino, dismissed rumours of Genoa’s interest in signing the Nigerian forward but confirmed Bologna’s pursuit of him.

“In recent weeks, there were rumors linking him to Genoa, and as a Rossoblu fan, I immediately reached out to him for confirmation. However, he informed me that there was no truth to those rumors,” Dagnino told Sportitalia. 

“It’s a shame because I once took him to Marassi to see Genoa when we were at Lavagnese. Nevertheless, I wish him the best and hope he joins a more competitive team, preferably from the top ten. In that regard, Bologna, who I’ve heard are interested, could be the right fit.”

Currently valued at €4 million, according to Transfermarkt, Okereke has established himself as a highly sought-after talent in the transfer market.