Noah Okafor’s first words as a Leeds player as official announcement made
Noah Okafor has already shared his first thoughts after becoming a Leeds United player.
The winger has now completed a move to the Premier League after spending the last three seasons in Serie A.
Leeds have sealed Okafor’s signing for a fee of just over £17.3million, as he becomes their eighth signing of the summer after negotiations progressed rapidly in recent days.
High-quality new additions have been the main aim for Daniel Farke and Co. this summer, and they appear to have secured another in Okafor.
Noah Okafor’s first words as Leeds player
Okafor passed his Leeds medical on Wednesday afternoon, which saw him surpass the final possible stumbling block before completing his move.
All that then remained was for the Whites to publicly announce his signing, and they have now done so on Thursday afternoon.
Okafor has largely struggled for gametime during his three-year stint with AC Milan, but the West Yorkshire outfit will be hoping that he can rediscover the electric form that he previously displayed during his time at Red Bull Salzburg.
- Okafor’s time with Milan ended with seven goals in 56 appearances
- He previously notched 34 goals and 18 assists in 110 games for Red Bull Salzburg
- He is a product of Basel’s youth academy and has 24 senior caps for Switzerland
The Swiss international will be available for the upcoming trip to Arsenal on Saturday evening, and he has already been interviewed out on the pitch at Elland Road.
The 25-year-old expressed his delight at getting the deal done, and also emphasised his desire to get up and running in the Premier League as quickly as possible.
“I think it’s an amazing day, I’m really excited,” Okafor told Leeds’ official website after joining.
“As a kid, I dreamed of playing in the Premier League. That’s why for me it was quite an easy decision.
“My football suits the Premier League, this is like a dream come true. I can’t wait to step on the field.
“I’m really, really excited. I can’t wait, like I said before. I’m also ready for this new challenge.”
Noah Okafor arrival may end Manor Solomon hopes
Manor Solomon has been linked with a Leeds return since the very beginning of the summer, but his fate may finally have been settled by Okafor’s arrival.
The Whites have been keen to strike another deal with the Tottenham winger, but that ship is likely to have sailed now that they have secured a new option on the left flank.
- Okafor completed more progressive carries per 90 than Solomon in 2024/25 (5.60 vs 5.00)
- He also completed more successful take-ons than the Spurs loanee (2.80 per 90 vs 2.43)
- Solomon’s work on the ball did produce more shot creating actions per 90 (5.10 vs Okafor’s 3.00)
- Stats as per FBref
Their latest acquisition is also a player who likes to cut inside from the left wing, and statistics show that he is arguably a stronger dribbler than Solomon.
Leeds fans’ attachment to the Israeli is understandable, given the huge role that he played in their title win last term, but when the opportunity arises to upgrade in a certain position, you cannot afford to pass it up in the Premier League.
Farke’s side will know that they have a tough job on their hands if they are to beat the drop, but their work in the transfer market looks like it could give them a fighting chance.
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