Leeds United have made a big move in the transfer market, signing Switzerland striker Noah Okafor from AC Milan for £18 million. His arrival has pushed Premier League clubs’ total spending this summer to a new record of £2.37 billion, beating the previous high set in 2023.
Okafor Joins Leeds
Okafor, 25, has agreed a four-year deal and becomes Leeds’ ninth signing of the summer since their return to the Premier League. Standing at 6ft 1in, he matches the physical profile of the club’s other recruits, most of whom are tall, athletic players.
For Okafor, this is a dream come true:
“As a kid, I dreamed of playing in the Premier League. That’s why for me it was an easy decision,” he said. “My football suits the Premier League. I can’t wait to step on the field.”
The forward started his career at Basel, before moving to RB Salzburg, then joining Milan in 2023. He scored seven goals in 54 games for the Italian side and spent the second half of last season on loan at Napoli.
Okafor hasn’t always been a regular starter, but he has shown he can play in different roles, both as a striker and out wide on the left. He’s quick, direct, and loves to take players on, averaging over four dribbles per game last season. That kind of pace and movement makes him a real problem for defenders.
The Biggest Summer Spending Ever
Okafor’s signing is part of a record-breaking transfer window. Premier League clubs have now spent £2.37bn, topping the £2.36bn spent in summer 2023.
Here are some of the standout deals so far:
- Liverpool signed German star Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen for £100m, with add-ons that could take the fee to £116m – potentially a new British transfer record.
- Brentford smashed their record with a £42.5m deal for Dango Ouattara from Bournemouth.
- Nottingham Forest broke their record twice, signing Switzerland winger Dan Ndoye and then Omari Hutchison for £37.5m.
- Burnley and Sunderland both spent big, bringing in Lesley Ugochukwu and Habib Diarra for around £25–30m each.
With 10 days left in the window, spending is only expected to grow, setting an even bigger record.
What Leeds Fans Can Expect
For Leeds supporters, Okafor brings speed, energy, and the ability to stretch defences. While his scoring record isn’t prolific, he offers versatility across the front line and fits the club’s strategy of adding tall, physical players who can handle the Premier League’s intensity.
The club will want to see Okafor bring steady form and play a big role in their first season back at the top.
