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Sports News of Thursday, 18 March 2021

Source: www.mynigeria.com

Maduka Okoye confirms Ajax interest

Nigerian shot-stopper, Maduka Okoye Nigerian shot-stopper, Maduka Okoye

Nigerian shot-stopper, Maduka Okoye could be on his way to the Eredivisie after he confirmed champions Ajax have made some enquiries about him.

Okoye said the rumors linking him to the Dutch giants are true and questions asked about his availability.

The German-born goalie has catapulted him from the depths of the German third division to the number one pair of gloves for both Sparta Rotterdam and three-time African champions, Nigeria.

Confirming the reports, Okoye highlights that Ajax interest is a reward for his hard work and top performances for Sparta.

“It was all swift, but it is true,” Okoye told 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 rumour 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.”

However, the youngster would only consider signing for Ajax if the Eredivisie leaders can allow him to stay a year or two at Sparta where he is already guaranteed regular playing time.

Okoye added: “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.

“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,” the shot-stopper concluded.