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So impressive has been Okumu that he was linked with a move to Arsenal, Borussia Dortmund, and Celtic.
Kenyan defender Joseph Okumu is set for his biggest club game when his KAA Gent side take on West Ham United in the UEFA Europa Conference League on Thursday night.
The towering center-back is enjoying a fine season with Gent where he has featured in an astonishing 39 games this season, scoring one goal and registering one assist.
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11:50 - 09.03.2023
STARS ABROAD Joseph Okumu to miss Gent Europa Conference League clash against Basaksehir
The center-back picked an injury in a Belgium Jupiler League match.
Gent booked a ticket to the quarter-finals of the Conference League after annihilating Turkish side Istanbul Basaksehir 5-2 on aggregate while West Ham also thumped Cypriot side AEK Larnaca 6-0 in the two-legged clash.
Ahead of their quarter-final encounter on Thursday, UEFA in their preview earmarked Okumu as one of the integral players for Gent having grown from strength to strength since his move from Swedish side Elfsborg back in July 2021.
“AEK Larnaca proved to be comfortable opponents for West Ham in the round of 16, but Gent have a little more to offer. With central defender Michael Ngadeu-Ngadjui leaving for China at the end of March, Joseph Okumu has come in to strengthen the Belgian side at the back,” read part of the preview.
Gift Orban was also listed as another dangerman for Gent after scoring the quickest hat-trick in the history of UEFA club competition in the win over Basaksehir that took only three minutes and 25 seconds.
So impressive has been Okumu that he was linked with a move to Arsenal, Borussia Dortmund, and Celtic in the summer transfer window before the club decided to hold on to him for another season.
Speaking to the Hammers News, Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri also fired a warning to West Ham about the solidity of the 25-year-old at the back
“I think the defence could be really interesting to show the central defender, Joseph Okumu, he is really good. He is a pretty beautiful player. He can start the build-up from defence working with his teammates on the construction of the game.
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09:30 - 02.04.2023
STARS ABROAD Superb Olunga scores for Duhail, Okumu grabs assist in Gent’s huge win
The Kenyan stars returned to their clubs and played vital roles in Saturday’s games.
He is a good, good defender, West Ham should check his profile because he is really, really strong,” said Tavolieri.
The match is slated for a 7:45 PM (EAT) kick-off at the Ghelamco Arena on Thursday 13 April.
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