Winners and losers as Leeds United launch bid to seal Noah Okafor transfer
Leeds United are closing in on the signing of Noah Okafor from AC Milan.
Okafor had looked good in his first season with the Italian giants after moving to Milan from Austrian side Red Bull Salzburg for £12million in 2023.
His minutes in black and red have been limited in recent months, and he was sent out on loan to Napoli in February last season.
With Okafor now increasingly likely to move to Leeds, there will be players who miss out as a result of the new signing at Elland Road.
Loser – Bilal El Khannouss
Leeds have been linked with a move for Leicester City’s Bilal El Khannouss this summer.
The winger had an impressive season in the top-flight, despite the Foxes ultimately getting relegated straight back down into the Championship.
A move for Okafor will likely put a stop to a transfer for El Khannouss or put the potential move on hold.
Leeds could pay around £17million for the Switzerland international, when his Moroccan counterpart is expected to possibly cost up to £30million.
Winner – Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Leeds have now announced the signing of Dominic Calvert-Lewin after he left Everton as a free agent at the end of last season.
The striker thrives in the air and has managed to score most of his goals from headers during his time in Merseyside.
- Calvert-Lewin has scored 22 of his 80 career goals from headers
- The striker’s aerial threat will be useful against sides where they will have less possession
The Peacocks already have brilliant crossers off the ball in Dan James and Wilfried Gnonto, and Okafor can expect to get plenty of assists this season.
At the age of 25, the winger has already racked up 36 assists, and Leeds supporters can expect plenty of attacking output from their new man.
Loser – Largie Ramazani
It had been hoped that Largie Ramazani could feature in the Premier League this season.
The Belgian struggled for gametime last season following his move from Spanish side Almeria.
Daniel Farke elected to frequently go with James, Gnonto, and Manor Solomon on the wings, and the Belgian would have believed that with Solomon returning to Tottenham from his loan, he could feature this season.
However, Okafor’s move to West Yorkshire has made that outcome unlikely.
Ramazani has been linked with a move away from Leeds this summer, and with Farke intent on adding new additions to his attack, the 24-year-old could push for a move away.
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