Kenya international Joseph Okumu has sealed a transfer move to French Ligue 1 club Stade de Reims from Belgian outfit KAA Gent.
The 26-year-old defender has been an integral part of Gent’s defence for the past two seasons, making a significant impact with his speed, athleticism, and aerial prowess but his dream to take the next step was fulfilled on Saturday after he signed a five-year deal with Reims.
“The 26-year-old Kenyan international Joseph Okumu is joining Stade de Reims from La Gantoise for a period of 5 years,” Reims announced on their official website, adding: “This move to the French top-flight league is an exciting opportunity for Okumu to continue his football journey in a new environment.”
Okumu, who started his football career in Kenya with Chemelil Sugar, joined Gent in 2021 from Swedish club Elfsborg and quickly established himself as a key player in the team’s defense.
Michel Louwagie, CEO of Gent, expressed the club’s appreciation for Okumu’s contributions, describing him as a crucial member of the defensive line-up alongside Michael Ngadeu of Cameroon. Louwagie also acknowledged that Okumu’s desire to seek new challenges is understandable and wished him success at Stade de Reims.
“Okumu has rendered great services to our club. Together with Ngadeu and Torunarigha, he formed a very strong trio in the back,” said Louwagie, adding: “Joseph felt ready to take the next step in his career and is happy with his move to Reims. It is now up to us to replace him in a good way.”
After playing for Chemelil, he moved to South Africa’s Free State Stars where his display caught the attention of AFC Ann Arbor, who he joined in 2018 before he caught the attention of USL Championship side Real Monarchs, where he spent a year and later Swedish Allsvenskan outfit IF Elfsborg in August 2019.