Why Leeds United Wanted Noah Okafor
Leeds United have bolstered their attack ahead of the new Premier League season with the signing of Swiss international Noah Okafor from AC Milan. At 25 years old, the forward arrives with pace, versatility, and European pedigree—qualities that convinced Leeds he was the right fit for Daniel Farke’s squad.
From Basel to Milan
Okafor came through the FC Basel academy, where his direct dribbling and eye for goal quickly earned him senior minutes. A move to Red Bull Salzburg in 2020 took his game to the continental stage: in Austria he scored 34 goals and provided 18 assists in 110 appearances, including three Champions League goals in 2021/22 that helped Salzburg reach the knockout stages for the first time.
In 2023, he joined AC Milan. While used mostly as a rotation option, he still contributed 7 goals and 5 assists in 54 appearances across all competitions, demonstrating efficiency even without being a regular starter.
A Stat-Backed Upgrade in Attack
Okafor’s appeal lies in how much he offers in short bursts. Even in a stop–start career at AC Milan, his numbers point to a forward who makes the most of his time on the pitch.
In Serie A last season, across 448 minutes in 15 appearances, he recorded:
- Shots on Target Per 90: 1.41
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Expected Goals per 90: 0.29
- Successful Dribbles per 90: 2.81
- Touches in Opposition Box per 90: 7.63
Taken together, the data paints the picture of a player who lives in advanced areas, looks to drive directly at defenders, and turns limited opportunities into real threat. For Leeds, it’s the kind of efficiency and vertical impact that can tilt matches.
Flexibility Across the Front Line
One of Okafor’s biggest strengths is versatility. Across his career he’s played:
- Left Wing: 86 appearances
- Centre Forward: 79 appearances
- Right Wing: 40 appearances
That flexibility gives Daniel Farke the option to rotate without disruption, whether Okafor is starting through the middle or driving in from the left.
A Forward Built for Farke’s System
Okafor is built for transitions, and his speed is one of his biggest weapons. Clocked at over 33 km/h, he ranked among the fastest forwards in Serie A last season. That raw pace allows him to exploit space behind defensive lines, turning simple passes into goal-scoring chances.
Like many Red Bull academy products, Okafor is comfortable pressing from the front and working without the ball. For a Leeds side that depends on collective effort in a relegation battle, this background means he’ll slot straight into the tactical demands.
In Summary
Leeds aren’t just signing a forward—they’re signing a profile. Noah Okafor brings Champions League experience, blistering pace, and multi-role flexibility, all wrapped up in a 25-year-old who’s entering his prime.
For Leeds, this is more than depth. It’s a calculated move to add a proven European attacker who can stretch defences, contribute goals, and raise the level of the front line.
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