Credit: Imago

Evan Lloyd

Mon 18 August 2025 7:15, UK

Elland Road decision makers are weighing up a move for AC Milan forward Noah Okafor in the closing weeks of the transfer window.

Leeds United signed Dominic Calvert-Lewin last week, but are looking for further attacking reinforcements.

And Daniel Farke has identified Okafor as an option, with the 25-year-old reportedly available for just £8.6million this summer.

Leeds will kick off their Premier League season on Monday, 18 August, when they welcome Everton to Elland Road.

Leeds aware of Noah Okafor fitness concerns

Okafor signed for AC Milan from Red Bull Salzburg in 2023, after scoring against his future club in the Champions League.

The Swiss forward is capable of playing across the front-line, often appearing through the middle but predominantly featuring on the wing.

At Milan, though, starts have been hard to come by for Okafor – the 25-year-old made just six in his opening Serie A season, and five in the last.

Injuries have also been an issue, with the winger sometimes struggling to find full fitness amid muscular problems.

• 24/25 season: 11 games missed through injury.
• 23/24 season: 13 games missed through injury.
• 22/23 season: 10 games missed through injury.

Okafor spent the second half of last season on loan at Napoli, where he won Serie A despite making just four appearances.

Sacha Tavolieri reported on 17 August that Leeds have officially contacted Milan for the forward, and are aware of his fitness issues.

Okafor has failed several medicals, an issue the medical team at Elland Road are weighing up before they deliver a final decision.

The 25-year-old has featured prominently in pre-season for Milan, and even played the full 90 minutes against Leeds in Dublin.

• Read more: New Joel Piroe footage shows Calvert-Lewin might have just made a mistake by signing for Leeds

Would a move for Noah Okafor be worth the risk?

Okafor’s injury problems will be a concern for Leeds, but the winger could well be a risk worth taking.

The forward offered brilliant numbers for progressive passes received and progressive carries last season, despite suffering from a disappointing personal campaign.

And Okafor is not at all afraid of taking on his man, attempting plenty of take-ons and succeeding in just under half of them.

It should be explained that the Switzerland international played just 448 minutes in the Serie A last season, so his stats may be slightly exaggerated.

Even still, Leeds would do well to take a risk on a player who could replicate such numbers in the Premier League, assuming the price would be right.

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