Official: Harambee Stars ace Joseph Okumu joins French Ligue 1 side

Kenyan international Joseph Okumu has completed his transfer to French Ligue 1 side Stade de Reims on a five-year deal.

Okumu moves to the French Ligue 1 side after two years with KAA Gent in Belgium where he was an integral part of the team, making 98 official appearances that included league, European, and cup matches.

Reims will reportedly part with KES 1.8 million to secure his signature, with the players set for a bumper signing fee and salary increase. Gent have released a statement confirming the player’s exit.

Gent statement

The wish of Joseph Okumu (26) to take a new step in his career has been fulfilled. Our Kenyan defender moves to the French Ligue 1, where he will play football for Stade de Reims. Reims is the club of the Belgian coach Will Still. With Thomas Foket and Thibault De Smet, two other ex-Buffalos are also playing.

Okumu played two seasons for KAA Gent. In 2021, he came over from the Swedish Elfsborg to quickly become a permanent fixture in our defense. Okumu excelled mainly due to his speed and athleticism. With his 1.90 m, he was also strong with the head. The four goals that "Jo" scored for KAA Gent were all header goals.

In 92 official matches, Okumu wore the shirt of KAA Gent. He experienced his best moment on April 18 last year, when he defended very strongly in the cup final against Anderlecht. We don't just remember Joseph for his qualities on the field. In the past two seasons, he always showed himself to be smiling, with his heart in the right place.

KAA Gent therefore wishes him every success at his new club in France. Bonne chance, Joe!

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Okumu started his career at the now-defunct Chemelil Sugar before moving to the Free State Stars of South Africa. He then moved to the United States, signing for AFC Ann Arbor and later the Real Monarchs. In 2019, he moved to the Swedish side, IF Elfsborg, where he lasted for two years before moving to Belgium.

Okumu featured for the Kenya U20 and U23 sides before making his senior team debut. He captained the Kenya U23 team.

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