Joseph Okumu’s value increases by more than double thanks to Ligue 1 switch

STARS ABROAD Joseph Okumu’s value increases by more than double thanks to Ligue 1 switch

Joel Omotto 07:33 - 17.10.2023

Joseph Okumu’s value has skyrocketed following his transfer from Belgian side KAA Gent to French side Reims.

Harambee Stars defender Joseph Okumu’s value has increased by €5 million (Ksh787 million) following his move to Ligue 1 club Stade de Reims from Belgian Pro League outfit KAA Gent.

According to transfermarkt.com, which rates the value of players, Okumu’s value has risen more than double from €4 million (Ksh629 million) in June to €9 million (Ksh1.4 billion) in October, thanks to his big-money switch from Gent to Reims.

This is, however, less than what Reims paid Gent for the services of Okumu, who is believed to have cost the French club €12 million (Ksh1.8 billion).

According to the site, Okumu is the top-ranked Kenyan player and he is at position 186 among all players playing at center-back in the world, 135 among all players born in 1997, and sixth best at Reims. He is also ranked 112 among all Ligue 1 players and 1,086 among all players worldwide.

Okumu has enjoyed a meteoric rise since his move to Europe, joining Swedish side IF Elfsborg for an undisclosed fee in 2019 before a €3.5 million (Ksh551 million) transfer to Gent two years later.

Since his move to France in the summer, Okumu has established himself as one of coach Will Still’s dependable players, starting four and coming off the bench in one of Reims’ opening eight league games of the French top flight.

His calmness in defence, ability to play out from the back, and his height have made him an asset for his club who will be hoping that he maintains his good start to life in France.

Reims are fifth on the Ligue 1 table on 13 points, four behind leaders Monaco and are pushing to qualify for European football next season.