Leeds are currently looking up at Sunderland with envy.
Despite finishing 24 points above the Black Cats last season, Leeds sit 16th on 11 points as Sunderland are fourth with 19 to their name.
Granit Xhaka has played a key role in Sunderland’s exceptional form following a £17m move from Bayer Leverkusen in July – and the Switzerland international has just done Daniel Farke a massive favour as well with his blunt comments aimed at Noah Okafor.
Noah Okafor could move up a gear at Leeds United after Granit Xhaka message
The Leeds No.19 seems to be feeling a bit sorry for himself amid a slow start to his career at Elland Road.
Speaking to The Athletic about his sadness on the international front – having not featured for Switzerland since November 2024 – Okafor said: “Since then, I never spoke with the coach, 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. For example, when I moved to Leeds, congrats or something like that, because I play now in the best league in the world.”
Noah Okafor in action for Switzerland.
Photo by Harry Langer/DeFodi Images via Getty Images
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Xhaka – captain of Switzerland and Sunderland – praised Okafor but had little sympathy for his fellow countryman, telling Blick: “Noah has great potential. He hasn’t shown it often enough in recent years. He’s really coming into his own now at Leeds.
“The league suits him. Nevertheless, Noah could play a role in the future if he gets a better handle on certain things. Sometimes you have to look down, shut up and work.”
If Sunderland were in a relegation battle against Leeds at the moment, Regis Le Bris may have been irked by these comments, as we feel they have the potential to give Okafor a kick up the backside and find added motivation to improve.
The £18m arrival from AC Milan has only scored two goals in eight Premier League appearances.
Daniel Farke was also annoyed at Okafor for his poor movement during the 3-0 defeat at Brighton, so he certainly has more gears he can move into.
It could have caused friction between the German and the Swiss forward if he told the attacker to “shut up and work” himself – so the fact Xhaka did it should please Leeds fans.
Noah Okafor must let his football do the talking
Okafor is unlikely to be able to talk his way back into the Switzerland squad, especially as the aforementioned Tami said his complaints were “not welcome” in the camp.
Therefore, it is time for the 25-year-old to stop speaking and show his talent on the pitch.
Clubs the size of AC Milan and Leeds do not just sign anybody, so he clearly has the ability to step up and show more than he currently is.