Bafana Bafana defender Ime Okon has finalized his move to German Bundesliga 2 club, Hannover 96.
Okon, 21, has penned a four-year deal after passing his medical on Monday.
“I’m very happy to have signed with Hannover 96. I’m excited for this challenge to play football in Germany,” says the former SuperSport United central defender.
“I’m very motivated to play for this club and want to become a better player here and develop as a human being. I’m a strong and fast defender, and I want to use my strengths to help the team.”
Okon, who played almost 60 games for SuperSport United, joins Hannover 96 on a free transfer following the expiry of his contract with the Tshwane side.
He was also on the radar of Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, but opted for a move to Europe.
Born to a South African mother and Nigerian father, who passed away years ago, Okon has chosen to represent the country of his birth, South Africa.
He played five games for Bafana Bafana in the recent COSAFA Cup that Bafana lost to Angola in the final. He’s been touted as a future key figure in Bafana’s heart of defence, and he’s looking forward to a great career in Germany.
“I’ve never been (to Germany), but I have the impression that it’s a truly beautiful country,” he adds.
