A fresh chapter begins for Nigerian striker David Okereke, who has formally agreed to join newly promoted Turkish Süper Lig side Kocaelispor after a season on loan at Gaziantep. The 27 year old’s transfer marks a permanent shift following two successive loans from Cremonese first to Torino, then Gaziantep.
Okereke proved his quality in Turkey, scoring six goals and assisting twice in 13 league appearances for Gaziantep this season. His performances triggered interest from multiple Süper Lig clubs, and Kocaelispor acted decisively to secure his services ahead of their top‑flight return.
This move offers Okereke stability and a leading role key as Kocaelispor bolster their squad for Süper Lig survival. With a proven scoring record and Turkish expertise, he is tasked with spearheading their first‑team attack.
Editorial
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We welcome this move as a calculated step for both player and club. For Okereke, the permanence of this transfer brings stability after two successive loan spells. He now arrives at a club ready to build its future around him, not just rely on fleeting performances.
We recognise Kocaelispor’s ambition. Having earned promotion after a 16‑year absence, they are assembling a squad capable of survival and a forward of Okereke’s calibre can deliver goals and leadership. It demonstrates their intent not just to survive, but to plant roots in the top tier.
We also acknowledge Okereke’s growth. His stamina on loan, scoring decisively for Gaziantep, reveals a forward maturing in confidence and consistency. Now, entering a stable environment, he can focus fully on impact.
We believe this alignment player seeking permanence, club seeking firepower creates fertile ground for success. Their destinies are now intertwined a striker on a mission, a club chasing consolidation. And so our conviction remains firm this alliance can define not just a season, but the emergence of a steady contender in Turkish top‑flight football.
Did You Know?
- Kocaelispor secured promotion to the Turkish Süper Lig in the 2024–25 season for the first time in 16 years.
- Okereke featured in the UEFA Champions League with Club Brugge early in his career.
- He appeared in nine matches for Torino during his last loan, but the club opted not to include a purchase clause.
- Born in Lagos on 29 August 1997, Okereke joined European football through Spezia’s youth ranks in 2016.
- His six goals and two assists this season helped Gaziantep rise to eighth place in the Süper Lig standings.
