Noah Okafor was involved in a war of words during the international break as the Leeds star clashed with Switzerland.
The £18m man bemoaned his lack of recognition from Switzerland – having last appeared for his country in November 2024 – telling The Athletic: “Since then, I never spoke with the coach (Murat Yakin) not even a phone call or a message, also with the (Swiss Football Association) Sporting Director Pierluigi Tami.
“They don’t even call me. For me, it makes no sense. I can say it makes me sad because they don’t even text me or call me to see how I am.”
Yakin hit back and said: “I’ve spoken with Okafor repeatedly, telling him what I expect from him on and off the pitch.
“I hope my words eventually get through to him.”
Even Granit Xhaka had a go at Okafor – telling his fellow countryman to “shut up and work” if he wants to play for Switzerland again.
As Noah Okafor now prepares to return to action with Leeds and impress Yakin, a rumour involving Raheem Sterling could be playing on his mind.
Leeds United signing Raheem Sterling could see Noah Okafor miss out on playing time
Sportsboom state that Leeds hope to sign Sterling from Chelsea in the January transfer window – as Enzo Maresca continues to overlook the man from Kingston.
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Crucially, the England international often lines up on the left – making 278 career appearances in that position – the same area Okafor has been playing for Leeds.
Sterling could cost around £150,000-a-week in wages, so with Leeds already struggling when it comes to Profit & Sustainability Rules (PSR), you would imagine he comes straight into the starting XI with a salary like that.
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“This summer, we spent everything we could. Unequivocally, we are maxing PSR out this season. If we had gone on to other targets [on deadline day], the consequences would have been seen in the current roster. More key players from last season would have had to go.”
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Okafor also has just two goals in eight Premier League appearances so far this season which, while not terrible by any means, is unlikely to be enough to keep a player like Sterling on the bench – should a move materialise.
Therefore, with the Leeds No.19 already worried about his international future, talk of a household name who plays in his position moving to Elland Road is unlikely to ease his fears.
Rumour could spark improved displays from Noah Okafor between now and January
Okafor still has some time to nail down his starting spot before the January transfer window opens.
After an emotional international break where he wore his heart on his sleeve when it comes to Switzerland, this new rumour involving Sterling could be enough to spark the 25-year-old into another gear.
Daniel Farke will certainly hope that does prove to be the case, as no Leeds player can boast more than two goals in what has been an attack-shy season so far.
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