Report: Leeds secure AC Milan forward Noah Okafor in transfer move

The transfer, confirmed by multiple sources, marks an ambitious step for the Whites as they prepare for a grueling top-flight campaign.

The Yorkshire outfit kicked off their Premier League return with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Everton at Elland Road on Monday. Despite dominating possession and creating chances, Leeds struggled to find a cutting edge until a late penalty, converted by debutant Lukas Nmecha, secured the three points.

Manager Daniel Farke, however, was clear that his squad needed more firepower to compete consistently in the Premier League.

Enter Noah Okafor. The 25-year-old Swiss international, known for his pace and versatility, has agreed to join Leeds in a deal worth approximately 20 million euros, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Writing on X, Romano said: "Noah Okafor to Leeds United, here we go! Deal in place for fee over 20 million euros to AC Milan. Okafor set to sign four-year contract with option for further season, ready for Premier League move after Daniel Farke's calls. Travel for medical scheduled in next 24 hours."

Sky Germany's Florian Plettenberg echoed the sentiment, stating: "Noah Okafor to Leeds United, DONE DEAL! There is now full commitment from Okafor to join Leeds, following the prior agreement between the clubs. Medical is scheduled for Wednesday, deal to be finalized soon."

The medical, set for Wednesday, is the final hurdle before Okafor officially becomes a Leeds player.

Okafor's journey to Elland Road has been one of high potential but mixed fortunes. The forward rose to prominence at Red Bull Salzburg, where he scored 34 goals and provided 23 assists in 110 appearances, thriving alongside talents like Karim Adeyemi and Benjamin Sesko.

His form earned him a 15-million-euro move to AC Milan in 2023, but injuries and limited game time, seven goals in 54 appearances, saw him loaned to Napoli for the second half of the 2024/25 season. Despite winning a Serie A title with Napoli, Okafor made just four appearances, underscoring his need for a fresh start.

Leeds see Okafor as a dynamic addition to their attack, capable of playing on either wing or as a central striker. His preference, as he once said, is the left wing: "I can play as a winger, both on the right and left, and as a central striker. The position I prefer is that of left winger, because there I can use all my qualities and make the difference."

This versatility aligns perfectly with Farke's 4-2-3-1 system, offering competition for new signing Dominic Calvert-Lewin and wingers like Wilfried Gnonto and Daniel James.

However, concerns linger about Okafor's injury history. Since the 2018/19 season, he has missed at least 11 games per campaign, a point of caution for Leeds fans already wary of Calvert-Lewin and Nmecha's fitness records.

Despite this, Farke's personal involvement in the deal, described as "pushing a lot" by Romano, signals confidence in Okafor's ability to rediscover his Salzburg form.

The transfer fee, reported as 21 million euros including bonuses by Gianluca Di Marzio, reflects Leeds' ambition under their 49ers ownership. The club have already added eight players this summer, including Calvert-Lewin, Lukas Nmecha, and Anton Stach, but Okafor's arrival could be the statement signing to ignite their attack.

With the transfer window closing in less than two weeks, Leeds are moving swiftly to finalize their squad, and Okafor's pace and flair could prove pivotal in their fight to avoid relegation.

With Okafor's medical looming, Leeds are poised to unleash their new Swiss star in the Premier League. If he can stay fit and replicate his Salzburg brilliance, the Whites may have landed a game-changer for their 2025/26 campaign.