HITC Sport understands former Fulham striker considers move away after criticism.
Stefano Okaka celebrates scoring the second goal for Anderlecht
Stefano Okaka is unhappy with Anderlecht’s public criticism of him and is considering leaving the club, HITC Sport understands.
The Italian international has been accused by some of the Anderlecht hierarchy of being overweight and out of condition.
Okaka was left out Anderlecht’s Champions League qualifier with Rostov in midweek and he was also omitted from the Anderlecht squad for the opening game of the new Jupiler Pro League season against Mouscron on Saturday after coming in for criticism from the club for reportedly being overweight.
Stefano Okaka scores the second goal for Anderlecht
Anderlecht’s sporting director, Herman Van Holsbeeck, has claimed the club will sell Okaka if he does not work hard to get back into shape.
“Okaka has to work to get back in shape as it is overweight, so it could be sold if reaches a reasonable offer, ” Holsbeeck told the Belgian press.
Tottenham’s Jan Vertonghen in action with Anderlecht’s Stefano Okaka
Okaka is back training with Anderlecht after coming close to leaving the club this summer following interest from China.
Chinese Super League club Jiangsu Suning expressed an interest in signing Okaka, but the move failed to materialise and the Italian international remained at Anderlecht.
However, Okaka has come in for fierce criticism since his return to Anderlecht and has seen his fitness and attitude openly questioned.
Okaka is unhappy at the criticism aimed at him and a source close to the player has admitted the striker may decide to leave the club if the situation is now resolved.
“Stefano does not know why he reads all these bad things regarding his physical condition especially as he helped the club reach the Champions League qualifiers and scored 17 goals last season.,” the source told HITC Sport.
“A player who loves the people, the supporters, the colours of his club and also Brussels as a city
“Why put on the market one of the best players of last season ? Because he arrived with two or three pounds more that is kind of crazy I would say.
Okaka is a good professional and he cannot accept all of this . If these things carry on he will have to make a decision on his future.”
A number of Premier League clubs are thought to be monitoring Okaka’s situation with the former Fulham loanee impressing for Anderlecht with 17 goals in all competitions.
Anderlecht’s Steven Defour (L) and Stefano Okaka (R) during training