Al Merrikh step up pursuit of Vipers star Allan Okello amidst intense transfer interest

Sudanese heavyweights Al Merrikh SC are intensifying efforts to secure the signature of Vipers SC playmaker Allan Okello as they seek to bolster their attacking department.

According to Swift Sports Uganda, the Khartoum-based side has already made contact with Vipers regarding Okello, who is believed to have agreed personal terms. The forward, however, remains a hot target with other suitors including USM Alger (Algeria), Pyramids FC (Egypt), Gor Mahia (Kenya), and Tanzania’s Simba SC all closely monitoring his situation.

Okello’s sparkling displays at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) co-hosted by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania further fueled interest in his services. The forward netted three of Uganda’s eight goals at the tournament, underlining his influence on the national team.

A versatile attacker capable of playing across different forward roles, Allan Okello joined Vipers in August 2023 as a free agent after parting ways with Algerian outfit AC Paradou.

He quickly made his mark in Uganda, inspiring the Venoms to a historic league and cup double last season, where he finished as the Uganda Premier League’s top scorer with 19 goals.

Despite mounting pressure, Vipers are reluctant to part with their talisman this transfer window. Nonetheless, insiders reveal that the club could be swayed if a lucrative offer lands on the table. Okello remains tied to Vipers until 2026, with the club holding an option to extend his stay for an additional year.

The 25-year-old now finds himself at the center of a potential big-money move that could see him follow in the footsteps of fellow Ugandans who have made their mark in Sudanese football, including Salim Jamal Magoola, Mike Mutyaba, and Hamis ‘Diego’ Kizza, who all previously featured for Al Hilal, Al Merrikh, and Al Hilal Obeid respectively.

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