Kaizer Chiefs look set to pull off a major coup in the local transfer market by edging closer to securing the signature of 21-year-old Ime Okon. However, SuperSport United’s hefty development compensation fee of over R5 million threatens to derail the deal.
Despite Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns also expressing interest in the promising defender, Chiefs have emerged as the clear frontrunners.
SuperSport stand firm on R5m compensation fee
SuperSport United may have allowed Okon’s contract to expire on 30 June, but the club retains the right to claim development compensation, a clause that has now become a stumbling block for Amakhosi.
“At the moment it’s believed that personal terms have been agreed but there is a fee that Chiefs apparently have to pay to SuperSport United. It’s like a compensation fee and it’s believed to be around R5 million. A fee because he is a development player and the mother team has to benefit from him. It’s not a transfer fee. No, it’s not,” a source revealed.
This demand comes as no surprise considering Okon rose through SuperSport’s development system, making him eligible for compensation under current regulations.
Chiefs push to finalise deal before tour
Chiefs remain determined to complete the signing before they fly out for their pre-season training camp in the Netherlands. The club wants Okon integrated into the squad as soon as possible, highlighting how highly they rate the defender.
By bringing Okon on board, Chiefs would not only beat both Pirates and Sundowns to his signature but also fill a key gap in their backline. An area identified by the technical team as needing reinforcement.
Clock ticking as transfer window heats up
If the Glamour Boys manage to seal the deal, they will have pulled off one of the most strategic signings of the window, a powerful signal of intent as they rebuild their squad for the new season.
Will Okon make a difference at Kaizer Chiefs?
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