Leeds United have flexed their financial muscle once again in the summer transfer window, confirming the high-profile signing of Switzerland international Noah Okafor from AC Milan for a fee that could rise to £18 million. The 25-year-old forward, who spent the latter part of last season on loan at Serie A champions Napoli, becomes Leeds’ ninth addition since their return to the Premier League, signaling the club’s intent to compete at the highest level after a two-year absence from the top flight.
The acquisition of Okafor marks a significant statement from the Yorkshire club, with total summer spending now hovering around £92 million. Only Anton Stach has commanded a higher transfer fee at Elland Road this window, making Okafor the second-most-expensive signing in the club’s history. The four-year contract, subject to a work permit and international clearance, is a testament to Leeds’ faith in Okafor’s abilities and potential. The club announced, “Leeds United are delighted to announce the signing of Noah Okafor on a four-year contract, subject to a work permit and international clearance. The 25-year-old arrives at Elland Road on a permanent deal from Italian giants AC Milan and can operate across the forward areas on either wing, or as a central striker when required to do so.”
Okafor’s arrival is expected to end Leeds’ pursuit of Tottenham winger Manor Solomon, who played a pivotal role in Daniel Farke’s Championship-winning squad last season. Solomon, whose loan spell saw him net the goal that sealed Leeds’ promotion, has since returned to Tottenham. Despite speculation linking him with a possible return to Elland Road, Leeds insider Beren Cross revealed there have been no concrete talks, and any potential deal would hinge on one of Leeds’ five attackers departing. Tottenham head coach Thomas Frank has also remained coy, stating Solomon could be involved once he recovers from injury, but refusing to fuel further transfer rumors.
The signing of Okafor comes after Leeds missed out on Brazilian winger Igor Paixao, who opted for a move to Marseille despite efforts from Leeds’ Lucas Perri to lure him to Yorkshire. Okafor, targeted as the ideal replacement for Solomon, brings a wealth of experience and versatility to Farke’s attacking options. The Swiss international began his professional career at Basel before moving to Salzburg, where he scored a remarkable 34 goals and provided 23 assists in 110 appearances. His performances in Austria caught the eye of AC Milan, who secured his services for £13.4 million in July 2023. However, Okafor found opportunities limited at Milan, often serving as backup to Rafael Leao, one of Europe’s top left-sided wingers.
During his two seasons in Italy, including a four-month loan at Napoli, Okafor registered seven goals and five assists. His Champions League pedigree, having featured for Salzburg, Milan, and Napoli at the highest level, is a key reason behind Leeds’ investment. Manager Daniel Farke was effusive in his praise of the new signing during a press conference shortly after the deal was confirmed. “We spoke about signing some quality attackers in and Noah fits this. Perfect age, has played for two big clubs in Italy, played for Salzburg at Champions League level. If you want quality, you can’t have enough. We had Manor Solomon last season, we lost him, so he fits perfectly in the position that Noah plays. He can also play as a second striker or a false nine, he’s played in this role,” Farke explained.
Farke continued, highlighting Okafor’s technical attributes and his potential to impress in the Premier League. “He’s scored in the Champions League, really good pace, really good dribbler, really good at the one-on-one, I don’t want to praise him too much. He has everything he needs to impress.” Yet, Farke also acknowledged the challenges Okafor faced in Italy, noting that injuries and a lack of consistent minutes had hampered his rhythm. “High potential, he has all the skills, we will provide him and all the backing and the stage to find some consistency compared to what he has done in the last couple of years. We’re delighted to have him.”
With Okafor’s arrival, Leeds have addressed a key area of need on the left flank, especially with Jack Harrison returning and Solomon’s departure. The club’s recruitment drive has been relentless since clinching promotion, with Okafor joining the likes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin as part of a refreshed attacking lineup. Farke has made it clear that he is still seeking to add a full-back, and the pursuit of another out-and-out striker remains a possibility as the transfer window enters its final week. The Premier League, meanwhile, has set a new single-window spending record, with clubs collectively surpassing £2.37 billion, eclipsing the previous mark of £2.36 billion set in 2023. Okafor’s transfer has contributed to this eye-watering sum, and with business still to be done, that figure is only set to rise.
Leeds’ preparations for the new campaign have not been without setbacks. Captain Ethan Ampadu, who was outstanding in the club’s opening win against Everton, suffered a medial collateral ligament injury in his knee following a challenge from Tim Iroegbunam. Farke confirmed that Ampadu will be sidelined until after the international break, missing the upcoming Premier League clash against Arsenal and at least two subsequent matches. “It’s bad news with him sadly. The next (few) games we have to play without him. MCL injury, he will definitely be out until at least the international break. I hope to have him back the other side of the international break. He’s pretty quick after injury back on the training pitch,” Farke lamented.
As for Okafor, he is expected to be available for selection when Leeds face Arsenal on Saturday evening, though Farke hinted it is unlikely the Swiss forward will be thrust straight into the starting lineup, given that his first training session is scheduled for Thursday afternoon. The anticipation among Leeds supporters is palpable, with hopes high that Okafor can rediscover the form that made him one of Europe’s most exciting young attackers during his time at Salzburg.
With a rejuvenated squad and a manager determined to provide his new signings with the platform to succeed, Leeds United are setting their sights on a successful Premier League campaign. The club’s ambitious recruitment, culminating in the signing of Noah Okafor, has sent a clear message: Leeds are back, and they mean business.
