Who is Joseph Okumu? The Gent defender wanted by Arsenal

Suraj Radia

• 31 May 2022 12:13 CDT
• 3 min read

Arsenal and Dortmund are among the sides being linked with Gent's Joseph Okumu following an impressive debut season for the defender in Belgium.

The Kenyan international joined Gent from IK Elfsborg last summer and led his side to 7th in the Belgian First Division.

But just who exactly is the 25-year-old hotly in demand by some of Europe's biggest clubs? FootballTransfers takes a deeper look at the profile at the player who could make a move this summer.

Related articles

Hickey to Arsenal transfer: How good is the Bologna full-back?

The nine players Arteta is set to axe in Arsenal summer exodus

Arsenal and Barcelona told Serge Gnabry’s asking price

What position does Joseph Okumu play in?

Okumu is a left centre-back however he is right-footed.

How good is Joseph Okumu?

Okumu has enjoyed a meteoric rise to stardom during the last few years of his career.

Okumu played in Africa for the early part of his career before moving to America as a 21-year-old and had a spell at USL League Two side AFC Ann Arbor.

A few months later he moved to Real Monarchs, the reserve team of MLS side Real Salt Lake and made 12 appearances during the 2018-19 season.

His form in America saw him picked up by Swedish side IF Elfsborg for around £165,000 and he impressed during his two seasons with the club, making 34 appearances.

After leading Elfsborg to 2nd place in the 2020 Allsvenskan, he joined current side Gent for €3.5m and has been an ever-present in their line-up.

Okumu impressed as his team won the Belgian Cup and were knocked out by Greek outfit PAOK in the round of 16 in the Europa Conference League.

Described as a powerful centre-back, Okumu has 15 caps for the Kenyan national team and is considered one of their key players.

What clubs are interested in Joseph Okumu?

Dortmund are reported to have the strongest interest in Okumu however Arsenal and Celtic have also allegedly held informal talks with his representatives over a move.

Okumu is represented by the same agency as Gunners duo Bukayo Saka and Eddie Nketiah, meaning a move to North London could be easily arranged.

When does Joseph Okumu's contract expire?

Okumu signed a four-year deal with Gent in 2021 and his current contract expires in June 2025.

How old is Joseph Okumu?

Okumu was born on May 26th 1997 making him 25 years old.

What is Joseph Okumu's height?

Okumu is 193cm or 6 foot 3 inches tall.

What is Joseph Okumu's weight?

Okumu weighs around 75kg or 165lbs.

What is Joseph Okumu's Instagram?

Okumu has just under 7000 followers on Instagram as of May 2022.