Steve Cooper is still relatively new to the Leicester City dugout but Enzo Maresca’s replacement is already playing a key role in recruitment.
According to the agent of The Foxes’ new £12 million man, the former Nottingham Forest boss made quite the impression during talks over a deal that saw the Premier League newcomers fight off competition from Serie A suitors.
Following in the footsteps of Cristian Romero, Rasmus Hojlund, Amad Diallo and more, Caleb Okoli becomes the latest Atalanta player to pack his bags and head for England.
Leicester confirmed Okoli’s arrival on a five-year deal on Tuesday, the Italy Under 21 international ‘very happy’ to sign on the dotted line and ‘very excited’ to get started, per the club’s official website.
Leicester City sign Caleb Okoli from Atalanta
And, according to agent Alessandro Barison, discussions with the Championship champions went from zero to sixty in the blink of an eye, such was Steve Cooper’s confidence in a player who becomes their third signing of the summer already after Michael Golding and ex-Fulham utility man Bobby DeCordova Reid.
“Very (fast),” was Barison’s response when asked how quickly the 2021 FA Cup winners managed to tie up a deal, speaking to Sport Italia. “Because Leicester were convinced of the boy.
“I also met the coach (Cooper) who made me understand that he knew the boy and that he thought he was ready to play in the Premier League.
“When you have the trust of a coach like Cooper, who wants you, it’s important. The boy is very happy because there is maximum trust from both the coach and the management.
“They wanted him strongly and took him. In three or four days, everything was closed.”
Cooper, who arrives at the King Power Stadium following Maresca’s departure to Chelsea, likely views the right-footed Okoli as competition for the poodle-haired Belgian Wout Faes at the heart of his backline.
The 6ft 3ins Okoli, who has 14 caps for Italy at Under 21 level, was outstanding on loan at Frosinone last season. By Barison’s admission, there was no shortage of Serie A interest.
But Okoli’s Premier League ‘dream’ meant Leicester quickly became his priority.
Foxes fight off Italian interest in highly-rated defender
“I am satisfied and especially Caleb,” Barison explains. “Going to the Premier League has always been his dream. This call came perhaps even earlier than expected. I had said that he wanted to get there in a couple of years, but we are very happy.
“Great credit goes to the family, who were very careful in the choice (of club) and have always been close to him. The boy has never let it go to his head.
“I know that Atalanta had many requests in Italy and abroad, but not from the Premier League before Leicester’s arrival. Leicester’s is something that started last week.
“An important negotiation, with a significant offer that made everyone happy. We thank Atalanta, they were also happy with the project for the boy.
“His next goal is to (earn a place in) the national team, which he cares a lot about. But let’s take one step at a time. There are many strong teams in the Premier League and it will be difficult.
“But getting there has always been his dream, since he was a child. Leicester is a very ambitious club, with a training centre that is among the best in Europe.”
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