Noah Okafor in a Leeds United shirt, with Everton badge in insert
Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media
Evan Lloyd
Tue 19 August 2025 8:40, UK
Leeds United are set to beat Everton for the second time in 24 hours as they close in on a move for Noah Okafor.
Leeds defeated Everton 1-0 on Monday, with Lukas Nmecha’s 84th-minute penalty enough to earn Daniel Farke’s side three points on their Premier League return.
The Whites dominated the affair but won controversially, with former referee Keith Hackett exclusively telling MOT Leeds News that the spot-kick should not have been awarded.
The Premier League released an official statement to explain the decision, however, claiming that James Tarkowski was adjudged to have leaned into the ball with his arm.
That’s in the past, and Leeds are now working hard on a deal for Okafor with AC Milan.
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke waving at fans
Farke’s side got off to the perfect start in the Premier League against Everton (Credit: Imago)
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Leeds close to beating Everton to £13.5million deal for Noah Okafor
Leeds are close to completing a deal for AC Milan forward Noah Okafor.
The Switzerland international has enjoyed a promising pre-season, after struggling massively for minutes last season amid injury issues.
The 25-year-old made the switch to Italy in 2023, following strong showings in the Austrian top-flight and the Champions League for Red Bull Salzburg.
And Okafor enjoyed a decent first season for Milan, but often found himself reduced to appearances off the bench.
Noah Okafor AC Milan
Appearances 54
Goals 7
Assists 5
For Farke’s side, the forward would be expected to take a more prominent role off the left side of the attack, with Leeds still hoping to replicate Manor Solomon’s impact last season.
Against Everton, it was Wilfried Gnonto who started on the left, but the Italian enjoyed his best form situated on the right in the Championship last season.
Okafor’s arrival would allow the 21-year-old to retake that position, with Daniel James and Jack Harrison also in the mix for minutes.
The Daily Mail reported on 19 August that a deal worth around £13.5million is close, with Leeds set to win the race for the forward despite interest from Everton and Arsenal.
Noah Okafor’s injury record will spark some fears
The list of Okafor’s injury history is long and slightly concerning. The forward missed 13 games last season through injury and struggled to reach full fitness for much of the season.
But the risk appears to have been deemed worth taking, with the Switzerland international certainly possessing qualities that Farke can utilise.
Okafor is more than capable of taking on his man and knows where the goal is. For Leeds, that may be exactly what is needed as they look to re-establish themselves in the Premier League.
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