Moroccan club AS FAR are edging closer to signing Yanga SC attacking midfielder Allan Okello after negotiations between the two sides reached an advanced stage.
The deal appears to be driven largely by AS FAR head coach Pedro Goncalves, who already knows Okello after working with him briefly during his time as Yanga coach.
Goncalves left Yanga in May this year and was replaced by Abdihamid Moallin. Despite his short spell at Jangwani, the coach appears to have been impressed by Okello's ability and now wants to reunite with the midfielder in Morocco.
AS FAR Submit Major Offer
AS FAR are in talks with Yanga's management to complete the transfer of the player popularly known as "Star Boy."
Okello was one of the key players in Yanga's title-winning campaign last season. The midfielder finished the campaign with an impressive contribution of 14 goals and eight assists, further increasing his value in the transfer market.
Following the Community Shield match between Yanga and Simba at New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar two days ago, Yanga's Head of Information and Communications, Ali Kamwe, confirmed that both AS FAR and Wydad AC had submitted offers for Okello.
However, AS FAR appear to be leading the race after submitting an offer worth more than $1 million, equivalent to over TSh 2.6 billion.
Yanga, meanwhile, are reportedly demanding at least TSh 3 billion before allowing the player to leave.
Deal Could Be Completed on Saturday
Reports from multiple sources indicate that negotiations between Yanga and AS FAR have reached an advanced stage, with the two sides reportedly already reaching an agreement on the key terms.
If everything goes according to plan, the transfer could be completed before the transfer window closes on Saturday night, August 15.
That makes the coming hours crucial for both clubs, with AS FAR looking to finalise Okello's signing while Yanga must make a final decision on the offer on the table.
Aziz Ki Arrives as Potential Replacement
As the Okello deal moves towards its conclusion, Yanga have already taken steps to strengthen the position by bringing back attacking midfielder Stephane Aziz Ki.
Aziz Ki returns to Jangwani from Libyan club Al Ittihad, with his signing reportedly forming part of Yanga's plan to ensure they do not suffer a major gap should Okello leave.
For now, all that remains is Yanga's final decision on AS FAR's offer and the completion of the necessary transfer procedures.
If the deal goes through, Allan Okello will leave Yanga having played a major role in last season's title triumph, while Pedro Goncalves will be close to reuniting with a player he knows well.
