Leeds United have taken their spending to almost £100m this week after the club confirmed their ninth summer signing, and eventually replace Manor Solomon with Noah Okafor.
An £18m fee has changed hands with Milan for the addition of Switzerland international Okafor, who is the club’s second-most-expensive signing so far. Only Anton Stach has cost more than the winger.
With Solomon returning to Tottenham after scoring the goal that sent Leeds back to the Premier League, Leeds have been left light on the left flank even though Jack Harrison has returned and Okafor comes in.
The 25-year-old was targeted after Leeds missed out on a £30m move for Igor Paixao, with the Brazilian eventually choosing Marseille despite Lucas Perri doing everything he could to tempt Paixao at Leeds.
Daniel Farke comments on the signing of Noah Okafor
A couple of hours after Okafor’s confirmation, Farke spoke to the media and obviously, was asked about the latest addition at Elland Road. Okafor himself confirmed he has arrived as a winger, not a striker.
But Farke made it clear that Okafor is a player of Champions League quality after playing for AC Milan, Napoli and Salzburg and believes the 24-time Switzerland ace fits “perfectly” in his Leeds squad.
“We spoke about signing some quality attackers in and Noah fits this. Perfect age, has played for two big clubs in Italy, played for Salzburg at Champions League level. If you want quality, you can’t have enough.
“We had Manor Solomon last season, we lost him, so he fits perfectly in the position that Noah plays. He can also play as a second striker or a false nine, he’s played in this role,” Farke told his press conference.
“He’s scored in the Champions League, really good pace, really good dribbler, really good at the one-on-one, I don’t want to praise him too much. He has everything he needs to impress,” the Leeds boss added.
Daniel Farke addresses Noah Okafor’s difficult two years at Milan
After 57 goals and assists in 110 games for Salzburg, Milan bought Okafor but he was largely back-up to Rafael Leao. Not a criticism, more that Leao is considered one of the best left-sided wingers in Europe.
Okafor has also experienced a few injuries and Farke is fully aware that Okafor is lacking consistency and rhythm. The Leeds manager made it clear he will give Okafor the best platform to regain that consistency.
“High potential, he has all the skills, we will provide him and all the backing and the stage to find some consistency compared to what he has done in the last couple of years. We’re delighted to have him.”
Okafor will be available for selection when Leeds take on Arsenal on Saturday evening, but his first session will come on Thursday afternoon and it is unlikely Farke throws him into the starting XI early.
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