Leicester City have reportedly ruled out a January departure for Caleb Okoli after rejecting interest from Italian Serie B outfit Cremonese.
Transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio reports that the Foxes have made it clear the 24-year-old defender will not be allowed to leave during the current window, even though his role in the Championship side has varied this season.
Cremonese had earmarked Okoli as a priority target to strengthen their back line, but Leicester swiftly shut down any discussions. The response from the club underlined their intention to keep the squad together for the rest of the campaign.
This is not the first time Okoli has attracted attention from Italy, with AC Milan also linked with him during the summer. Since arriving from Atalanta, the centre-back has had to battle for regular starts, yet he has still made 14 league appearances and remains a trusted option within the group.
Leicester’s stance reflects the demands of a long Championship season and their desire to avoid weakening an already stretched defence. The club are wary of letting an experienced player depart at a time when depth could prove vital.
Life back in the second tier has been far from straightforward for the Foxes. Relegated from the Premier League last season, they have struggled to find consistency and currently sit 14th in the table with 34 points from 25 matches.
A late push towards the play-offs has been hampered by uneven form, including a promising win over Derby County at the end of 2025 followed by a setback against Sheffield United on New Year’s Day. With 37 goals conceded so far, Leicester’s defensive issues are clear, making their decision to keep Okoli all the more understandable as they look to stabilise their campaign and chase a stronger second half of the season.