For football fans in Milan, Noah Okafor’s talent was impossible to ignore.
Back in September 2022, the Swiss winger made headlines while playing for Red Bull Salzburg, scoring a double nutmeg goal that left AC Milan’s Pierre Kalulu embarrassed before finishing past goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
Just a week later, he continued to turn heads by scoring an equalizer against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Reflecting on those moments later, Okafor told La Gazzetta: “Mike said it was luck because the ball went through his leg, but the dribble past Kalulu? That was on purpose. I was looking for it.”
Fast forward to 2025, and Leeds United fans are about to witness Okafor’s magic first-hand after his £18 million transfer from AC Milan to Daniel Farke’s side.
First Impressions in Dublin
Leeds players only got their first real look at Okafor during a friendly in Dublin two weeks ago.
“The boys were saying after the game that he’s a very good player, not knowing he’d sign here two weeks later,” Dan James told the BBC.
Now, come Saturday, Okafor and James could be facing each other on opposite wings as Leeds prepare for the new season.
Leeds’ Summer Transfer Strategy
Leeds had been tracking Okafor throughout the summer, even though he wasn’t their first-choice target.
With Manor Solomon returning to Tottenham, left wing became a position they wanted to strengthen.
Their pursuit of Igor Paixao from Marseille fell through, so they turned to Okafor as an alternative.
Farke explained: “Dublin wasn’t the first time I recognized Noah as a player with big potential.
A strong performance in a friendly only helped his chances.”
Behind the scenes, discussions between Okafor and Leeds had already started, with a formal offer made after the Dublin game.
Leeds also secured Dominic Calvert-Lewin this summer, aiming for a consistent and proven Premier League striker.
Okafor’s Track Record in Serie A
Okafor’s recent seasons have been injury-plagued. Since moving to Milan in 2023, he made just seven starts and spent part of last season on loan at Napoli, where he played a mere 36 minutes.
A failed move to RB Leipzig in January 2024 due to a medical issue added to the uncertainty.
Yet, when he’s on the pitch, Okafor delivers. During his time at Milan, he averaged a goal involvement every 142 minutes.
His pre-season form, including a brace against Liverpool, adds optimism for Leeds fans.
A Milan source told Mail Sport: “In Milan, he had a hero-like status for scoring crucial late goals. He showed he was a player for big moments.”
National Team Heroics and Personality
Okafor first made a mark for Switzerland during the 2022 World Cup qualifiers, scoring the goal that secured the nation’s place in Qatar.
Off the pitch, he’s shy and humble, but on it, he exudes confidence.
With a leg tattoo reading “be your own hero” and years of mental coaching under his belt, Okafor is ready to take charge.
Inside the Swiss camp, teammates describe him as quiet in the dressing room but assertive on the field—a player who isn’t afraid to take risks and make things happen.
Versatility and Style of Play
Okafor prefers the left wing but can play as a striker, giving Leeds tactical flexibility.
Known for his pace and dribbling, he averaged 4.2 dribbles per 90 minutes last season.
Leeds hope his experience will add consistency, even though he has had significant injury setbacks.
His signing complements other wingers like Wilfried Gnonto, Jack Harrison, and Largie Ramazani, though he’ll need to prove he can secure the left-wing spot.
Ready for the Premier League Challenge
Okafor completed his medical in the UK and began training with his new Leeds teammates shortly after signing.
He’s expected to make his debut against Arsenal this weekend, before experiencing Elland Road’s electric atmosphere against Newcastle.
Leeds’ recruitment team highlighted the club’s atmosphere in presentations, but Okafor didn’t need convincing.
After seeing Leeds fans in Dublin, he said: “I was like, what the f***, how many fans? Playing in the Premier League has been my dream since I was a kid.
For me, joining Leeds was an easy decision. I can’t wait to step on the field.”
Looking Ahead
As Leeds United continue to bolster their squad, Okafor’s arrival adds skill, pace, and versatility to a team hungry for Premier League success.
In a World Cup year, consistent game time will be crucial for him—and for Leeds, a player capable of shining in the big moments is exactly what they need.
