Leeds United are joining the race for Red Bull Salzburg forward Noah Okafor after the Switzerland international scored a sublime goal against AC Milan in the UEFA Champions League group-stages, according to Calciomercato.
Adapting to a new life on English soil is never easy, even for the most experienced of campaigners.
But Okafor, should he take the well-trodden path from Salzburg to West Yorkshire, should find things easier than most. The skilful 22-year-old knows Jesse Marsch’s style of play like the back of his hand, after all, having spent around 18 months honing his talents under the Leeds coach at Austrian giants.
“He’s always an option for the starting eleven,” Marsch said after Okafor scored a hat-trick against WSG Tirol in October 2020. “He can play in many different positions. He can play on the offensive flanks or in the frontline.”
“I was very happy that he scored three goals. I think that’s good for Noah. We talked a lot with Noah about tactical things. And, in the end we said, now is the time to show your skills and fight.”
Could Leeds United add Noah Okafor to Jesse Marsch’ squad
Marsch would have felt a pang of pride as Okafor bamboozled Pierre Kalulu before slotting past Mike Maignan on Tuesday night, giving Salzburg the lead in their Champions League opener against Serie A champions AC Milan; his Lionel Messi vs Bayern Munich moment.
According to Calciomercato, Leeds are now weighing up a move for the 22-year-old, potentially ahead of the January window. Inter Milan and Borussia Dortmund are also admirers.
A mobile centre-forward who loves to cut inside onto his right, Okafor feels like an alternative to Leeds’ top target; PSV Eindhoven’s Cody Gakpo. He is likely to come a lot cheaper than the free-scoring Dutchman too. Gakpo is reportedly valued by PSV in the region of £40 million.
Okafor, should he arrive, would become the third player to swap Salzburg for Leeds during Marsch’s tenure; followin Brenden Aaronson and Rasmus Kristensen. American ball-winner Tyler Adams also played under the Whites boss in New York and Leipzig.
“He has magnificent technical qualities; speed and power,” former Swiss U21 coach Mauro Lustrinelli says of Okafor.
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