Algerian giants join the race for Allan Okello signature

Algerian giants USM Alger have joined the race to acquire the signature of highly sought-after Uganda international Allan Okello, who has been subject to interest from a host of clubs in the continent and abroad.

The 25-year-old attacking midfielder is currently in the books of Uganda Premier League champions Vipers SC, where he has established himself as one of the standout performers in the domestic league in recent seasons.

Okello signed his first professional contract with fellow Ugandan club KCCA FC as a promising youngster in the 2016/17 season. He spent four seasons at the club, before Algerian Ligue 1 outfit Paradou AC lured him to North Africa after he was named Uganda player of the year in the 2018/19 term.

However, his spell in Algeria didn’t go according to plan as he struggled for game time and was sent back to KCCA on loan two years later. Upon the end of his loan stint in his homeland and termination of his contract with Paradou, Vipers swiftly acquired his services on a free transfer in September 2023.

The investment paid off for Vipers as Okello steered the team to their seventh league title, while scoring 19 goals and providing four assists. Moreover, the left-footed attacker helped the club to a first-ever Uganda Cup triumph.

With his impressive performances, Tanzanian giants Simba SC and Pyramids FC were reportedly keen on signing the player in the January transfer window, while Belgian side Royal Antwerp were also mooted as a potential destination.

Okello, who has scored two goals and provided one assist in the ongoing CHAN tournament, has been linked with a move to Simba yet again in recent weeks, but sources have downplayed the club’s interest, suggesting that the reports are wide of the mark at this stage.

Now, according to the latest information gathered by Foot Africa, USM Alger have entered the race to sign the player as they look to bring him back to Algeria. The Ugandan wonderkid has a year left on his contract and this publication understands that Vipers would be willing to sell.

Hlayisani Magoro

Editorfr, en

Football journalist from South Africa covering African football news, exclusive stories and key events while sharing insights with passionate fans of the game.