Maduka Okoye vs Vicario: 4 reasons Inter Milan should sign Super Eagles GK after Sommer exit

Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye is happy at Udinese but he could be set for a move this summer with big changes expected at Juventus and Inter Milan, Afrik-Foot reports.

Inter Milan have already started a major rebuild after confirming that veteran goalkeeper Yann Sommer has left the club following the expiry of his contract on June 30.

The 37-year-old Swiss goalkeeper departs after spending three successful seasons at San Siro. Signed from Bayern Munich in 2023 for around €6 million to replace André Onana, Sommer quickly became one of Serie A’s most dependable goalkeepers.

During his time with the Nerazzurri, Sommer played 139 matches, kept 66 clean sheets and conceded 120 goals. He helped Inter win two Serie A titles – the 2023/24 and 2025/26 Scudetto – as well as one Coppa Italia and one Supercoppa Italiana.

One of his finest moments came during Inter’s run to the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League final. The Swiss international produced a remarkable 14-save performance against Barcelona in the semi-final, earning the Man of the Match award.

Sommer’s departure is part of a wider squad overhaul. Experienced defenders Francesco Acerbi, Stefan de Vrij and Matteo Darmian have also left as Inter begin a new era focused on younger players.

Current backup goalkeeper Josep Martínez is expected to take over as first-choice goalkeeper for now, while Sommer is already attracting interest from Belgian club Club Brugge as a free agent.

Although Martínez is expected to start in pre-season, Inter are still looking for a goalkeeper who can become their long-term No. 1 under new manager Christian Chivu.

Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario has reportedly become Inter’s leading target. The 29-year-old Italy international is said to have agreed personal terms, but Tottenham are demanding more than €30 million, making negotiations difficult.

Inter are also monitoring Lazio goalkeeper Ivan Provedel, Cagliari’s Elia Caprile, Parma star Zion Suzuki, while Barcelona’s Marc-André ter Stegen and Roma’s Mile Svilar remain ambitious options if other deals fail.

Why Maduka Okoye should be preferred over Guglielmo Vicario

Better goalkeeping numbers

Maduka Okoye enjoyed an outstanding 2025/26 Serie A campaign with Udinese and produced stronger numbers than Vicario in several key areas.

The 26-year-old Nigerian played 30 league matches, kept 10 clean sheets and conceded only 0.93 goals per game while recording an impressive 71.68 per cent save rate.

Vicario, meanwhile, featured in 31 Premier League matches for Tottenham, managed seven clean sheets, conceded 1.48 goals per game and finished with a 62.41 per cent save percentage.

Despite playing behind a less established defence at Udinese, Okoye consistently delivered excellent performances throughout the season.

A cheaper option for Inter’s rebuild

Inter are rebuilding several positions this summer, meaning they must spend their transfer budget carefully.

Signing Vicario would likely cost more than €30 million, while Okoye is valued between €12 million and €15 million. Choosing the Super Eagles goalkeeper would allow Inter to strengthen other areas, especially central defence, where several experienced players have already left the club.

Younger and physically stronger

At 26 years old, Okoye is three years younger than Vicario and fits perfectly into Inter’s long-term rebuilding project. Standing at 1.98 metres, he also offers greater aerial strength and authority inside the penalty area. His height allows him to deal comfortably with crosses and set-pieces, qualities that are important in Serie A.

As he enters the prime years of his career, Okoye still has plenty of room to improve while offering Inter many seasons of reliable service.

Already proven in Serie A

Another major advantage is that Okoye already understands Italian football. Having established himself at Udinese, the Super Eagles goalkeeper knows the tactical demands, stadiums and attacking styles found across Serie A.

Unlike goalkeepers arriving from another league, he would need little time to adapt. That could help Inter remain competitive immediately as they begin life after Sommer and continue their transition under Christian Chivu.