Leeds United
Switzerland manager Murat Yakin has had a constructive meeting with Leeds United’s Noah Okafor in England
That’s according to Blick, who report the winger could return to the national team after a long absence.
Okafor arrived at Elland Road from AC Milan in August 2025 and has scored four goals for Leeds United. His performances for Daniel Farke’s side weren’t enough for him to receive a call up from Yakin during the last three international breaks.
He hasn’t featured for his country since November 2024, and Yakin’s decision to overlook didn’t please him. Last November, the 25-year-old lashed out at the manager and the national team director, Pierluigi Tami, for lack of communication.
Why Yakin didn’t consider Leeds United player
Before we get into this, it’s important to understand why Yakin decided to leave him out.
Last October, Sport Witness covered claims from Switzerland that Okafor’s attitude during Euro 2024 was questionable. He also had a misunderstanding with the national team coach.
Although Yakin handed him minutes in November 2024, Okafor’s behaviour during Euros didn’t please him. On January 15th, the Switzerland boss said there’s “always a way” back for Okafor.
Trip to Leeds for reconciliation
Blick now report Yakin, along with Tami and the Swiss FA’s media officer, Adrian Arnold, had travelled to England. The trio watched him live when the Whites faced Nottingham Forest at Elland Road, and Okafor got his name on the scoresheet.
The national team delegation then had a meeting with Okafor, and both parties informed the newspaper that talks were positive.
Blick asked Tami about their visit to Leeds, and he said: “We saw a strong performance from Noah, in which he showed what he’s capable of. Afterward, we had an honest, clarifying, and constructive conversation. This is a good foundation for Noah’s potential return to the national team.”
This should be ‘music to the ears of the Basel native’ as this helps him maintain the dream of making it to the World Cup. The first sign could arrive next month when Yakin will announce the squad for March’s international break.