Leeds already have several strong connections within the squad.
Joe Rodon and Ethan Ampadu are particularly close, playing for Leeds and Wales together since the summer of 2023.
Brenden Aaronson and Willy Gnonto are also good pals, with the latter even saying he “missed” the American while he was on loan at Union Berlin.
Now, Leeds are working on a deal which would see Noah Okafor reunite with one of his closest friends in Ruben Vargas.
What Ruben Vargas has previously said about Noah Okafor as Leeds United prepare bid
Sevillian news outlet OrgulloBiri believe Leeds are preparing a £17m bid for the Sevilla No.11 ahead of the winter transfer window opening on January 1st.
Could Ruben Vargas be the missing piece in Leeds’ jigsaw? 🔥
He's been excellent in Spain…
Interestingly, Vargas has previously labelled Okafor as one of his “closest” pals.
The Switzerland international told Blue Sport in November 2022: “I get along well with everyone (in the Switzerland camp). I’m closest to Noah Okafor. When I can, I spend a lot of time with him because he’s not too far away from me. We meet up in Munich because it’s close to where we live. He’s a very good teammate.
“I hope we play together. That would be our greatest wish, but if it doesn’t happen, it doesn’t happen. We will always support each other, no matter what.”
Having only arrived in Yorkshire in a £18m move from AC Milan as recently as August, Okafor would presumably be delighted to have a familiar face in Vargas helping him settle at Leeds, and vice versa.
Noah Okafor and Ruben Vargas have never combined for a goal in 13 appearances
Despite their friendship, the numbers suggest Vargas and Okafor – who Tony Dorigo likes – have struggled to connect on the pitch.
Which player would you be happy for Leeds to sell in January to fund their transfer business? Let us know in the comments… 🤔💰
The likes of Joel Piroe and Willy Gnonto are struggling to force their way into Farke's plans.
In 13 appearances together for Switzerland, mainly playing as the two strikers in a 3-5-2 formation, the pair have never combined for a single goal.
Additionally, these were not just 13 brief outings either. Those appearances total 594 minutes of action in which both have largely stayed on the pitch for most of the match.
Therefore, Daniel Farke will have to find a way to make the duo tick if Leeds manage to get this £17m deal over the line.
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