Harambee Stars midfielder Alpha Onyango is left frustrated after Gor Mahia turned down a $100,000 (approximately Ksh12.9 million) offer from Tunisian giants Etoile Sportive du Sahel for his services.
According to media reports in Tunisia, Etoile were prepared to make a substantial investment to secure Onyango, coming just a week after successfully signing Alphonce Omija from the record Kenyan champions.
However, Gor Mahia’s refusal could render Etoile’s late push for the midfielder futile, with the Tunisian transfer window closing on Friday night.
In an interview, Onyango disclosed that Etoile had submitted an initial bid exceeding ten million Kenyan shillings, which, he says, failed to convince K’Ogalo officials to sanction his move.
Further, he revealed that he had agreed to personal terms with the Tunisian side, which included a significant signing-on fee. This latest offer is not the first Gor Mahia has rejected during the off-season. Onyango confirmed that an earlier attempt from an unnamed Libyan club also did not materialize.
“I had two deals after the conclusion of the CHAN 2024 tournament. I was not keen on joining the Libyan club due to sporting reasons. However, the Etoile project seemed promising and good for my progression. Unfortunately, my club rejected the $100,000 offer, insisting that I am not for sale, at least for now,” Onyango said.
With hours remaining before the Tunisian window closes, Onyango expressed his disappointment that the deal failed to go through.
Onyango, who joined Gor Mahia in 2017 while still a student at Kakamega High School, said he was eager to challenge himself in a new environment after achieving domestic success.
“I respectfully informed the club of my decision to leave, but it appears the deal will not sail through. I am gutted that my ambition to play football beyond our borders will flop,” he said.
The midfielder also questioned Gor Mahia’s reluctance to let him go, despite the club’s significant squad investment during the local transfer window.
“I truly believe the midfield is deep enough that the club can remain competitive, regardless of who leaves,” Onyango added.