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“The optimum time” – The Athletic reveal Leeds United-linked striker could be sold after World Cup performances

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Leeds United have been linked with a move to sign Red Bull Salzburg’s Noah Okafor, and the World Cup could further push him into the limelight.

The World Cup gets underway in just 48 hours’ time in Qatar and right before the January window, it’s a chance for players to put themselves in the shop window for a big-money move.

Leeds’ hunt for a striker is something that Jesse Marsch hasn’t exactly hidden lately, and the new year could bring fresh attempts to solve that issue.

Exploring Marsch’s former clubs is a logical place to look first when considering where Leeds might go for a new striker signing, and Red Bull Salzburg’s Noah Okafor is that man.

The Swiss international has been in great form this season with three goals in the Champions League group stage joined by seven goals and one assist in the Austrian Bundesliga.

Calciomercato linked Leeds with a move for the 22-year-old ahead of the new year, competing with AC Milan for his signature, and the World Cup around the corner could be more fuel for the fire where speculation is concerned for Okafor.

That’s according to The Athletic’s Stuart James, who had this to say on the forward as part of their The Radar series where they look at the players to watch in Qatar:

“Leeds United have also been linked with Okafor, who signed a deal until 2024 when he joined Salzburg in January 2020, which means that the winter window, on the back of a strong World Cup, could be the optimum time for the Austrian club to sell.”

Should Leeds sign Noah Okafor?

Yes

Yes

No

No

Okafor would be a great signing for us to make, because he knows exactly what he needs to produce to work in Marsch’s system.

Having played under him in Salzburg, Okafor will need little time to adjust to the system, and that makes him a great January signing.

That, along with his great goalscoring record and proven ability to play up front and link with midfielders such as Brenden Aaronson.

If he has a great tournament, we’re talking about a big fee though.

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Leeds United season ticket holder since 2013/14, currently situated in the middle of the FA5 noise. From Pablo Hernandez to 5-1 drubbings, I've seen it all at Elland Road.