Leeds United will have to pay around £25 million if they want to take Red Bull Salzburg forward Noah Okafor to the Premier League in 2023, the Swiss international’s agent tells Radio CRC.
You can understand the logic of Leeds targeting players who have made their name at the Austrian Bundesliga champions.
Graduates from the Red Bull finishing school, after all, are often pretty well aligned with the demands of a Leeds United side now in their third successive top-flight campaign. Jesse Marsch, a former Salzburg and RB Leipzig boss, has added to Marcelo Bielsa’s high-pressing, high-intensity system; adding a layer of fresh paint to the house Bielsa built.
And, as such, Brenden Aaronson and Tyler Adams have slotted in neatly at Elland Road. Rasmus Kristensen should also thrive in West Yorkshire; even if the right-back has endured a tougher time so far than this former Red Bull Arena team-mates.
Will Leeds United sign Noah Okafor?
According to reports, Leeds are already weighing up an attempt to bring in a fourth Salzburg-based player since Marsch’s arrival when the New Year rolls around.
“Noah Okafor? He is one of the most interesting Swiss players,” says agent Gianluca di Domenico; highlighting the forward’s wonderful individual goal in last week’s 1-1 Champions League group-stage draw with AC Milan.
“Those who have seen the match against Milan have certainly noticed his characteristics. Do Napoli follow him? I haven’t talked to (sporting director Cristiano) Giuntoli yet. There are rumours that they are following him and that they also liked him in the summer transfer window.
“Salzburg have sold players worth 493 million euros since 2016. Okafor will be valued between 25 and 30 million.”
A centre-forward who loves to cut inside from the left onto his favoured right boot; Okafor has six goals in 11 games this season already. Should he follow Aaronson, Adams and co, the 22-year-old would help ease the burden on an injury-prone Patrick Bamford.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
