Report: Leeds told to pay £35m if they want to sign ‘wonderful’ Champions League player

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Leeds United will need to pay around £35m if they wish to sign the impressive RB Salzburg forward, Noah Okafor, in the January window.

Leeds have been linked with a move for Okafor in recent weeks. The 22-year-old has been super impressive this season, scoring goals in the Champions League to catch the eye in Europe. Okafor has hit nine in all competitions so far, and is interesting a number of clubs.

Those clubs, according to Calciomercato, are said to include both Leeds and Arsenal, as well as Italian giants, AC Milan.

However, Okafor will come at a hefty cost. Calciomercato claims that Salzburg will be looking for a fee in the region of £35m if they are to sell their star man. Of course, in Premier League terms, that isn’t huge money. But with January such a tricky window to negotiate in, clubs may be tempted to keep their cash.

Okafor, 22, is already a full Switzerland international and has notched twice already in eight caps. Capable of playing down the middle or on either flank, Leeds might well see Okafor as a replacement for Raphinha. The Whites sold the Brazilian to Barcelona in the summer and while they did make signings, they’ve not quite replaced him.

Salzburg paid just £12m for Okafor and now look to triple their money if they do sell.

TBR’s View: Okafor looks a real talent who can flourish at Leeds

Noah Okafor seems to have all the hallmarks of a Leeds player. Full of energy, quick, direct, and capable of getting the fans off their feet. Jesse Marsch will like what he sees from Okafor and Leeds fans will feel the same.

£35m is a hefty old sum to shell out in January. But Leeds look like they’ll need to back Marsch in January to ensure survival, so a splash like this could be for the best.

Okafor’s versatility makes him an attractive proposition and if Leeds can get him, then it looks a smart move.