Michael Olunga attracts interest from 4 clubs after Al Duhail departure

Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga, who is currently a free agent, is quickly emerging as one of the hottest properties, with four clubs reported to be chasing after his signature.

According to reports, the 31-year-old may be staying in the Qatar Stars League (QSL) following his recent departure from Al Duhail, with Qatari reports now linking him to a move to Al Arabi, the former club of Harambee Stars legend Dennis Oliech.

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According to leading Qatari media outlet Al-Raya, Olunga is “close to leading Al Arabi’s attack after the end of his career with his club (Al Duhail).”

The report adds that while negotiations are ongoing, “the only thing is that it’s not that easy,” suggesting a few hurdles remain before the deal is finalised.

“On the offensive side, Kenyan Michael Olunga, the former Al Duhail striker, is close to leading Al Arabi's attack after the end of his career with his club. The club's management is seeking to finalise the deal in the coming days.”

With his impressive form over the past few seasons, coupled with the fact that he is a free agent, the 2015 FKF Premier League Most Valuable Player (MVP) has attracted the attention of top clubs, including UAE Pro League side Al Nasr SC, who are keen to take him to Dubai.

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“Emirati club Al Nasr SC have made an offer to Kenyan Striker Michael Olunga,” reads a post on X (formerly Twitter) by Football DEVA.

Moroccan media outlet Wydad Actu, have also reported that the Harambee Stars captain is in talks with 2022 CAF Champions League winners Wydad Casablanca.

“The Qatari press announces that Wydad has started negotiations with the Kenyan striker of Al Duhail, Michael Olunga,” reads a post on X by Wydad Actu.

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The former Girona FC striker has also attracted interest from Japanese side Yokohama F Marinos after previous reports also linked him to another Japanese club, Urawa Red Diamonds.

However, reports suggest that the move can only occur if the club is sold to a Japanese IT firm, as has been widely reported in Japanese media.

“If Yokohama F Marinos is acquired by the Japanese IT company DeNA, the first signing would be Michael Olunga. Other World Class players are also on the list,” said Takuya of Gaita as quoted by Yoppisoccer on X (formerly Twitter).

Olunga officially parted ways with Al Duhail on Thursday, 29 May, ahead of his contract's expiry on June 30.

Both the player and the club confirmed the separation last week, bringing to an end a highly successful four-year stint.

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Since joining the Red Knights from Japanese side Kashiwa Reysol on January 12, 2021, Olunga has left an indelible mark, both domestically and on the continental stage.

During his tenure, he lifted five major titles: the Qatar Stars League (2022/23), Qatar Cup (2021/22), Qatar League Cup (2023), and back-to-back Qatar Stars Cups (2022/23 and 2024/25).

Individually, the towering forward clinched three Golden Boots, finishing top scorer in the Qatar Stars League in both the 2021/22 and 2022/23 seasons, and dominating the Qatar Stars Cup in 2022/23 with 10 goals.

In the just-concluded season, Olunga netted 12 goals and provided two assists in 19 league appearances as Al Duhail finished second behind fierce rivals Al Sadd.

Before his Qatari adventure, the former Gor Mahia forward enjoyed stints across Europe and Asia with Djurgården (Sweden), Guizhou Zhicheng (China), Girona (Spain), and Kashiwa Reysol (Japan).

His career-high market value peaked at €9 million in May 2022.

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Should the Al Arabi deal materialise, Olunga will follow in the footsteps of Oliech, who featured for the club between 2003 and 2005.

However, the Harambee Stars captain is yet to publicly comment on his next move.