Joseph Okumu on the verge of joining Gent

After months of speculations over his next stop, Harambee Stars centre back Joseph Okumu is set to join Belgium side KAA Gent.

The defender has been a hot cake in the European market in the recent months as he was linked to Scottish giants’ duo of Celtic, Rangers with French side Lorient also said to be in hot pursuit of his services.

A reliable source close to the player has revealed to Mozzart Sport that the former Chemelil Sugar FC defender is actually in Belgium to complete the move.

"The move is in the final stages and if all goes well he will be unveiled as a new Gent player in the coming days," the source said.

According to Fotbolltransfers, the budding defender was granted permission by his current employer IF Elfsborg to travel to Belgium on Friday and complete the move to KAA Gent should they agree on the terms.

The 23-year old joined the Swedish club in 2019 from the United States of America based Real Monarchs where he spend a season with them.

Okumu who was feted with the 2020 Breakthrough player of the year has had an outstanding season and stay at the club with his performance resulting to a stiff competition for his signature.

Prior to joining Monarchs, the Kakamega High School alumnus who recently signed for the famed Elite Project Group Limited Agency had a brief stint with another US outfit AFC Ann Arbor.

Okumu who joined the defunct Chemelil Sugar in 2014 after completing his studies didn’t last in the local scene as he began his professional career two years later when he signed for the South African side Free States Stars.

Should the former national U23 defender complete his move to Gent, he will become the third Kenyan to play for the club after former Stars skipper Robert Mambo and John Muiruri who featured for the club during their active years.