Report: Leeds close to completing £13.5m deal for Milan winger Okafor | OneFootball

Leeds Close in on Okafor as Transfer Talks Progress

Leeds United are reportedly edging closer to sealing a deal for AC Milan winger Noah Okafor, according to Sky Sports. The Swiss international, who endured a frustrating spell with injuries in Serie A, is in advanced talks over a move to Elland Road. A £13.5m bid is believed to be on the table for the 25-year-old, with a four-year contract being discussed.

For Leeds, this is not just another signing—it could be a statement of intent. After a period of uncertainty, the potential arrival of Okafor suggests a push to blend European pedigree with the club’s ambitions of returning to the Premier League.

Okafor’s Career Path and Setbacks

Okafor made the switch to AC Milan in 2022, arriving with high expectations following an impressive spell at Red Bull Salzburg. His pace, direct dribbling, and eye for goal made him a standout in Austria, attracting interest from several top European clubs. However, his time in Italy has been marred by injuries, limiting his opportunities to establish himself in a competitive Milan squad.

Last season, he was sent out on loan to Napoli, a move that seemed promising at the time. Napoli went on to lift the Scudetto, but Okafor’s contribution was minimal. He managed just five appearances in all competitions. As one source noted: “He won the Scudetto there, but made only five appearances.”

That brief cameo in Naples encapsulates much of his career to date—flashes of promise, but interrupted too often by physical setbacks.

Leeds’ Gamble on European Quality

From Leeds’ perspective, this deal represents both an opportunity and a calculated gamble. At £13.5m, Okafor is hardly a cut-price option, particularly for a club still recovering financially from relegation. Yet his profile is exactly the kind of signing Leeds supporters have long craved—someone with international experience, capable of unlocking defences in the Championship and beyond.

The key question, however, revolves around his fitness. Can Okafor stay injury-free long enough to make a decisive impact? Leeds have been here before, taking risks on talented players whose durability came into question. It is not without its dangers, but if Okafor rediscovers the form that once made him one of Europe’s most sought-after young wingers, this could prove a transformative acquisition.

One figure close to the discussions said: “The Switzerland international is reportedly in talks over a four-year deal at Elland Road, with a £13.5m offer on the table for the 25-year-old.” Such detail underlines that this is more than idle speculation—Leeds appear to be serious in their pursuit.

What Okafor Could Bring to Elland Road

Leeds’ attack last season often looked blunt in moments when guile and invention were required. Okafor offers that extra dimension. His versatility is one of his main strengths; comfortable operating on either wing or as a second striker, he provides tactical flexibility to any manager. His acceleration and ability to run at defenders could unsettle Championship backlines, while his European experience might add a touch of composure in key moments.

Supporters will hope this move also signals a broader ambition. Too often, clubs relegated from the Premier League seek quick fixes rather than longer-term building blocks. At 25, Okafor is still young enough to grow with Leeds, yet experienced enough to handle the pressure that comes with the club’s high expectations.

In football, timing is everything. For Okafor, this could be the right moment to reignite his career in a league where his attributes should shine. For Leeds, it could be the kind of signing that galvanises a promotion push.

Looking Ahead

While negotiations are yet to be finalised, the indications are positive. Leeds are pressing forward with intent, and the player himself appears open to the move. If the deal is completed, Okafor will arrive with much to prove but also with a platform to thrive.

The Championship is unforgiving, yet it has also been a stage for redemption stories. Okafor’s talent is undoubted; the only question is whether he can deliver consistently over a full season. Leeds fans will dream of him becoming the difference-maker, the spark to carry them back into the Premier League spotlight.

Credit must go to Sky Sports for highlighting the progression of this story. Their reporting suggests Leeds are moving closer to adding a player who, if fit, could be one of the signings of the summer in the Championship.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Leeds supporter’s perspective, the news of Okafor’s potential arrival will be greeted with a mixture of excitement and cautious optimism. On one hand, here is a player who has featured at some of Europe’s most prestigious clubs and still has his peak years ahead of him. On the other, there will be lingering concerns about his injury record and whether he can cope with the physical demands of the Championship.

Supporters will recognise the gamble, but they will also see the upside. Leeds need game-changers—players who can make the difference in tight matches when teams sit deep at Elland Road. Okafor, with his pace and flair, fits that description. The fee is not insignificant, but it is the type of investment fans have been demanding: a footballer with pedigree, not just a squad filler.

There is also a sense that this signing, if completed, shows ambition. After the disappointment of relegation, fans have been waiting for a statement that the club intends to rise again. Okafor could be that statement. The hope will be simple: if he can stay fit, he may light up the Championship and lead Leeds back towards the Premier League stage.