Okumu ready to quit IF Elfsborg

Kenyan International Joseph Okumu has admitted that he is ready to move to the next challenge amidst interests from up to five top clubs in Europe including Rangers, Celtic, Gent, Stade de Reims and Lorient.

In an interview with a Swedish publication, the former Chemilil Sugar defender said that he is ready to leave IF Elfsborg saying that he has already made his impression at the club.

Okumu also said that together with the club, they are working towards making a move materialize, saying that they have similar interests that the defender should take the next step in his career.

"Yes, definitely. The most important thing is that I have already made an impression here. Having done that, both I and the club are happy. I think we have the same interests here, that I should take the next step. If something good and concrete comes up. Both I and the club will try to make it happen," Okumu said when asked whether he felt ready for the next step.

The former Free State Stars defender noted that he is letting his agent take care of any transfer-related issues saying that they drain a lot of energy from players.

"I let my agent take care of it. When there is something concrete, they let me know. I prefer that he lets me know when it's a really clear situation. Until then, I want to stay away from it, it takes a lot of energy. So I stay in the background around all this," he said.

When asked about a potential move to France, Okumu said that it was a good place but a move for him would be determined by the project as he wants to move to a team that he can make an impression, and not just be part of the team.

"France is a good place. But it's more about the project than about the country. It's about what they want with me. If I go, I want it to be somewhere where I can make an impression, show my qualities. Not somewhere where I'm just part of the team but I want to play a big role," he said.

Reportedly, Lorient have placed a bid of close to Ksh.400M for the defender though Elfsborg have slapped a Ksh.520M price tag on him.