Joseph ‘Crouch’ Okumu, a defender for the Harambee Stars, has signed a five-year contract with Stade de Reims of France’s top division after leaving Belgian club KAA Gent.
On Saturday night, Okumu was introduced by Reims, which represented a significant professional advancement for him in one of the most prestigious five leagues on the globe.
Gent, where he played in 92 official games and produced four goals, confirmed the departure of the reliable centre defender on their website and thanked him for his dedication and for helping them rise to prominence in European football.
“Okumu has provided our club with excellent services. He formed a very powerful trio in the defensive position with Ngadeu and Torunarigha.
“Joseph is content with his transfer to Reims and feels prepared to advance in his career. It is ultimately up to us to successfully replace him,” according to Michel Louwagie, CEO of KAA Gent.
The ex-Chemelil Sugar player transferred from Swedish team IF Elfsborg to Gent. In addition, he played for the South African club Free State Stars for his first professional assignment before returning home after an unsatisfactory assignment.
Before arriving at Elfsborg, he relocated to the United States and played for the Real Monarchs.
He now aspires to follow in the footsteps of former Stars captain Dennis Oliech, who rose to prominence while playing for Auxerre and Nantes in the French Premier Division.
Harambee Stars defender Joseph Okumu will join French Ligue 1 side Stade de Reims from Belgian club KAA Gent in the coming days in a deal worth €12 million, or Kes 1,893,921,716. (Ksh 1.8 Billion)
