Stefano Okaka reveals Tottenham Hotspur were interested in signing him in 2016
Basaksehir striker Stefano Okaka has revealed that he had interest from Tottenham Hotspur back in 2016.
Speaking to Italian outlet Calcio Mercato (h/t Liverpool Echo), the 33-year-old revealed that Spurs, along with Everton were interested in him.
“When I was at Anderlecht, the club was pushing to sell me to China. But I was 26 and I didn’t feel like it. I wanted to go to the Premier League; there was Everton and Tottenham. So I said no to a super offer (from the Far East).”
The former Italian international instead ended up joining Watford from RSC Anderlecht. He played for three years before moving to Udinese Calcio and two years later to Basaksehir.
A centre-forward by trade, the 33-year-old has scored three goals in 15 games for the Turkish side in all competitions this season. The Italian has played for a host of clubs throughout his career, predominantly in Italy.
Spurs bought in Dutch striker Vincent Janssen in the 2016/17 season. The 28-year-old failed to establish himself in the team and was finally sold to Mexican side Monterrey in 2019.
Janssen currently plays for Dutch side Royal Antwerp and has scored seven goals in 11 league games for them this season. The 28-year-old is also a regular for the Netherlands international team.
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Although the 28-year-old may not have played much for Spurs, he added crucial depth to the squad. Whether or not Okaka would have been a better signing for the north London club is something we may never find out.
