The Premier League has entered uncharted territory this summer after Leeds United confirmed the signing of Swiss striker Noah Okafor from AC Milan in a deal worth £18 million, pushing the league’s total transfer spending to an all-time record of £2.37 billion.
Okafor, 25, has penned a four-year contract with Leeds, becoming the club’s ninth signing since their Championship triumph and return to the top flight. The striker could prove to be a key addition to Daniel Farke’s squad as Leeds look to re-establish themselves in the Premier League.
“For me, this is a dream come true,” Okafor said after sealing the move. “As a child, I dreamed of playing in the Premier League. It was an easy choice because my style fits this league perfectly. I’ve always believed this is the best and most intense competition in the world, and now I’m ready to show what I can do.”
The signing marks a major statement from Leeds, whose recruitment strategy this summer has focused on physicality and versatility. Standing at 6ft 1in, Okafor fits into a trend where all nine new arrivals measure at least 5ft 11in, with seven standing above 6ft.
Okafor arrives in England with a varied career across Europe. He began his senior journey at Basel, later moving to RB Salzburg before joining AC Milan in 2023. While his time in Serie A saw limited opportunities, scoring seven goals in 54 appearances, with most coming from the bench, he did show flashes of brilliance. Last season he was loaned to Napoli, though he made only four brief substitute appearances.
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Despite his limited game time in Italy, Okafor has shown promise on the international stage and is recognized for his pace, strength, and direct play. According to Opta, 47% of his Serie A minutes came on the left wing and 41% as a central striker. He averaged 4.2 dribbles per game last season, highlighting his ability to trouble defenders even if his success rate was mixed.
Okafor’s arrival has also contributed to the biggest transfer window in Premier League history, surpassing the previous record of £2.36 billion set in 2023. Several clubs have broken their transfer records this summer, with Brentford signing Dango Ouattara from Bournemouth for up to £42.5 million, while Sunderland and Burnley splashed out heavily on Habib Diarra and Lesley Ugochukwu.
Leeds fans will now be eager to see if Okafor, who netted twice against Liverpool in pre-season for Milan, can transform his potential into consistent Premier League performances. For the Swiss international, the move represents a chance at redemption and a fresh start in the most-watched league in the world.
