Colchester United have been linked with a move for former Northampton Town defender Ali Koiki, as Danny Cowley looks to add further depth to his squad ahead of the 2025/26 League Two season.
Koiki, 25, is currently a free agent after leaving Northampton at the end of last season. He is on trial with Cheltenham Town, who are also interested in securing his services, but Colchester and an unnamed League One club are now in the frame, according to Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke.
Colchester and an unnamed League One club are set to rival Cheltenham for free agent Ali Koiki. The left-back is currently impressing on trial at Cheltenham, but other sides are monitoring his situation. #ColU #ctfc pic.twitter.com/WRChFu9Xcq
— Pete O’Rourke (@SportsPeteO) August 5, 2025
Ali Koiki Career
The London-born full-back started his career in the Crystal Palace academy before being spotted by Burnley while playing for the Kinetic Academy. He signed his first professional contract with the Clarets at the end of the 2017/18 season, although he did not make a senior appearance for the club.
During his time at Burnley, Koiki spent a productive loan spell at Swindon Town, making 15 appearances in the 2018/19 campaign. He then had a short stint at Bristol Rovers in League One, before joining Northampton Town in the summer of 2021.
Over four seasons at Sixfields, Koiki made close to 100 league and cup appearances and was part of the squad that achieved promotion to League One in 2022/23. Following his release this summer, he is seeking a new challenge, and his availability has attracted attention from across the lower leagues.
Colchester are known to be in the market for a left-back following the departure of Mandela Egbo earlier in the window. They have already added Kane Vincent-Young to their ranks, but Cowley is believed to want further depth in that position to ensure competition throughout the season.
Koiki offers a mix of League One and League Two experience, and his athleticism and attacking intent from the left side could complement Colchester’s current setup well.
Writer’s View
Ali Koiki would be a sensible and potentially shrewd addition to Colchester United’s squad. He is experienced at this level, still relatively young, and offers qualities that would fit nicely into Danny Cowley’s tactical approach. The U’s have acted early in the window to build a more solid foundation, and Koiki would further that ambition.
With Cheltenham offering a direct trial and other clubs circling, Colchester may need to act quickly, but if they do, they could secure a proven performer who is capable of contributing immediately.
