David Okereke joins Italy’s Venezia on loan

David Okereke, the Nigerian football star, has agreed to join Venezia FC on a season-long loan from Club Brugge.

The newly-promoted Serie A side announced the deal on its official website on Thursday.

“Venezia FC is pleased to announce the signing of Nigerian attacker David Okereke, 23, on loan from Club Brugge,” the statement read.

“Okereke came through the youth academy at Spezia before ultimately reaching the first team and making his professional debut in April 2016. After three seasons of increasing experience and progress, including a half-season loan at Cosenza, Okereke had a breakout season with Spezia in 2018/19, leading the team with 10 goals and 12 assists in Serie B.

“Okereke’s form at Spezia prompted a move to Club Brugge in July 2019. In his first season with the club, Okereke made 22 appearances (13 starts) and scored nine goals to help Club Brugge win the Belgian league, while also making eight appearances in the UEFA Champions League and one appearance in the UEFA Europa League Round of 32.

“Last season, Okereke made 30 appearances (eight starts) and scored four goals in the domestic competition as Club Brugge won their second consecutive league championship, while also making five appearances in the team’s European campaign, which again started in the Champions League and ended in the Europa League Round of 32.”

The Lagos-born striker will be joining Tyronne Ebuehi as the two Nigerians signed by the Winged Lions this summer.

Venezia were promoted into Serie A after beating Cittadella 2-1 on aggregate in the play-off finals.

The club gained promotion alongside Empoli and Salernitana.