Leicester City defender Caleb Okoli could be offered a route back to Italy this summer, with Sassuolo reportedly making an enquiry about the 25-year-old.
The Foxes are facing interest in the centre-back following their relegation to League One, with Sassuolo making an enquiry as they assess a possible move. Championship clubs are also believed to be keeping tabs on his situation, while other sides in Italy have shown interest.
Okoli joined Leicester from Atalanta in July 2024, signing a five-year contract after arriving with significant experience of Italian football. He had previously spent time on loan with SPAL, Cremonese and Frosinone, as well as making 17 Serie A appearances for Atalanta.
His first season in England came in the Premier League, where he made 19 appearances and scored once as Leicester were relegated. He remained at the King Power Stadium for their Championship campaign and became a more regular presence, featuring 29 times and scoring another league goal.
That season ended with a second successive relegation for both player and club, leaving Russell Martin’s side preparing for League One football in 2026/27. Okoli remains under contract until 2029, meaning Leicester are in a strong position should interested clubs decide to make formal offers.
Sassuolo are now said to have asked about the possibility of signing him, with Leicester reportedly valuing the defender at around €8 million. Torino had previously made an enquiry earlier in 2026, although that interest did not develop into an agreement.
Despite Leicester’s difficult two seasons, Okoli’s pedigree should ensure there is no shortage of potential destinations. The 6ft 3in centre-back has played extensively in both Serie A and Serie B and was called into Italy’s senior squad for Nations League fixtures in September 2024, although he is yet to make his senior international debut.
He has also already opened his account for the current campaign, scoring in Leicester’s League Cup fixture on August 8.
Leicester now have a decision to make. Keeping a defender with Okoli’s experience would give Martin a player who should be capable of operating comfortably at League One level, but an offer close to their reported valuation could prove difficult to ignore following successive relegations.
A return to Italy appears the most obvious route if he does leave, although Championship interest could give Okoli the opportunity to remain in English football without dropping into the third tier. With three years remaining on his deal, Leicester should at least be able to dictate the terms of any departure.
