When Kenyan international Joseph Okumu made the move from Belgium’s KAA Gent to Ligue 1 side Stade de Reims in a €12 million deal in July 2023, he committed himself to five years in northeastern France’s Grand Est region, playing under manager Will Still, ceteris paribus.
At the age of 26, Okumu relocated to the unofficial capital of the Champagne wine-growing region to stabilize Still’s team, which had conceded 45 goals and scored an equal number in 38 matches, finishing 10th and consequently missing out on all levels of European football.
With nearly 100 matches under his belt in Belgium, Okumu had established himself as one of the best central defenders in Europe during the 2022/23 season, showcasing his speed (36 km/h), precise long passes, aerial ability, well-timed tackles, high discipline record, and leadership qualities.
When Stade de Reims invested millions to acquire the towering Harambee Stars center-back, they were confident in their investment and the potential returns.
They had successfully fended off competition from Strasbourg, Sevilla, Lyon, Monaco, and Bayer Leverkusen, and the return on investment was clear.
“The SDR, therefore, secures the services of a proven defender with solid high-level experience. He will bring all his qualities and experience to a crucial position. Welcome, Joseph,” the club expressed its excitement in a lengthy write-up after securing Okumu and unveiling him with iconic videos.
Since his move to France, Okumu has played 19 matches for Reims – 17 of those in the league, including encounters against World Cup winner and France captain Kylian Mbappe.
The Kenyan has made an immediate impact in France, earning praise as he featured regularly in the Ligue 1 Team of the Week and secured a spot in the Team of the Month for October 2023.
Interestingly, despite his defensive duties and consistent performances for The Red and Whites, the 26-year-old has only received one yellow card – during their 3-1 away win against Monaco on January 13, 2023, for a challenge on Folarin Balogun.
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Okumu has undoubtedly established himself as one of the best center-backs in France and an indispensable member of Will Still’s squad.
Some investments take time to yield returns, but Okumu’s impact has been immediate – the second Kenyan to play in Ligue 1 after former Harambee Stars captain Dennis Oliech.
Reims, boosted by the return of AFCON winner Oumar Diakite, will next take on Lens on Sunday, February 18, 2024, at the multi-purpose stadium Stade Auguste-Delaune in Reims. Okumu is expected to lead the team from the back.
