Official: Fredrikstad FK beat teams from Italy, Sweden, Denmark, Germany to sign 16yo CB Okpaleke

With a statement on their official webpage, Norwegian Eliteserien club Fredrikstad FK have announced the signing of Swedish-Nigerian central defender Kennedy Okpaleke.

Fredrikstad FK have pulled off a massive transfer coup by luring the 16-year-old to Østfold county, beating top division clubs from Sweden and Italy to secure his signature. 

Okpaleke trained with IFK Göteborg and visited Empoli and Hellas Verona before agreeing terms with Fredrikstad FK, following a successful trial.

The Swedish-Nigerian player also explored potential transfers by visiting teams in Germany and Denmark.

By signing a contract until 2027 with the nine-time Norwegian champions, Okpaleke ended his association with Swedish fourth tier club Lindome GIF, a club on the outskirts of Gothenburg.

Okpaleke is considered one of the promising teenagers in Sweden and has represented Sweden at U16 level.

Speaking after the deal was confirmed, Okpaleke revealed that several clubs were interested in him.

"It's been exciting to travel around and get to know different countries and their way of playing football. I've been to Italy, Germany, Denmark, and so on," he said. 

"Of all the different clubs I have visited, I feel that Fredrikstad had one of the highest training levels, in addition to the quality of players and the pace of training."

Sports director Anders Jensen is happy that Kennedy chose FFK as his next club, and looks forward to seeing him develop further.

"Kennedy is an exciting young centre-back who comes from a lower level in Sweden. After training, seeing and hearing what other top clubs in Europe have to offer, we are of course happy that the choice has fallen on Fredrikstad. 

"He has great physical potential that we will further develop, and which we look forward to seeing in the FFK jersey."

Former Golden Eaglets captain Samson Tijani spent the first half of the 2024-2025 season on loan at Fredrikstad FK, where he made four appearances.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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