Leeds United’s victory over Nottingham Forest on Saturday secured the perfect start to the new Premier League campaign, but boss Daniel Farke will no doubt be demanding more from his team.
The Whites snatched a late winner over Oliver Glasner’s men, but the German has challenged his senior squad to build off such a result for the rest of the campaign.
Despite the positive signs, the 49ers are still eyeing added reinforcements before the summer window closes to try and increase the club’s chances of success this term.
One player will certainly feel hard done by should he be replaced, with Farke seemingly favouring other options within such an area of the pitch as of late.
Why Okafor must feel aggrieved with Farke at Leeds
After his £18m move from AC Milan last summer, many tipped Noah Okafor to be a key asset for Leeds during their first season back in the Premier League.
The Swiss international certainly demonstrated glimpses of his quality, as he netted a double against Manchester United in the Whites’ famous victory at Old Trafford.
He’s had his struggles with injury, but there’s no denying the 26-year-old should be a regular starter when fully fit – but that’s not often been the case at Elland Road.
Farke has continued to stick by attacking midfielder Brenden Aaronson in recent times, a decision which certainly hasn’t been the most popular with the fanbase.
|
Most PL goals for Leeds (2025/26) |
|
|---|---|
|
Player |
Tally |
|
Dominic Calvert-Lewin |
14 |
|
Noah Okafor |
8 |
|
Lukas Nmecha |
6 |
|
Anton Stach |
5 |
|
Brenden Aaronson |
4 |
|
Ao Tanaka |
2 |
|
James Justin |
2 |
|
Joe Rodon |
2 |
Okafor was brought on with just 24 minutes remaining at the City Ground last weekend, but managed to create more chances and complete more dribbles in that time.
His electric pace and creativity in behind the striker should make him a huge asset within Farke’s system, but it’s safe to say the supporters are yet to see the attacker perform at the highest level.
The lack of minutes has no doubt contributed to his inconsistency, but it could be about to get a whole lot worse for the forward throughout the 2026/27 campaign.
How Leeds could replace Okafor
With the transfer window closing in just a week’s time, Leeds are running out of time to add further quality into Farke’s squad to help the German in his quest for success.
However, the hierarchy do appear to be making moves for added reinforcements, with many of their current transfer targets being forward-thinking options.
Countless names have appeared on their radar this summer, with Chelsea outcast Mykhailo Mudryk the latest to be named as a possible target for the Whites this summer.
It’s been reported by The Athletic’s Beren Cross that talks have been ongoing in the last 24 hours in an attempt to secure a loan move for the Ukrainian’s signature.
He claims that Chelsea’s stance that a deal to Elland Road being ruled out has been dismissed by those in Yorkshire, and they continue to hold talks with the player’s representatives.
Despite the talks, Leeds staff believe the Blues prefer a loan move to sister club Strasbourg, but it certainly hasn’t deterred the Whites in their attempts at present.
He’s a player who has seen his career stagnate at times after serving a ban for doping, but he’s since had such a suspension lifted – freeing him up for a move to join Farke’s side.
Mudryk, who cost £88m back in January 2023 and earns £97k-per-week according to GOAL, still has huge potential to impress, with the 25-year-old desperately wanting to get his once promising career back on track.
His stats from the 2023/24 campaign showcase his talent within forward areas, with his move undoubtedly pushing Okafor further down the pecking order.
Despite starting just 18 games that term, the Ukrainian international registered seven combined goals and assists – an average of one contribution every 225 minutes.
Such numbers showcase his ability to have a positive impact within attacking areas, but like Okafor, he’s not had a sustained platform to demonstrate his quality.
Mudryk also managed to create an impressive tally of 1.8 chances per 90, with such a tally ranking him within the top 20% of all players in the Premier League that year.
However, his biggest asset is undoubtedly his pace and dribbling ability, which saw him register 2.2 successful take-ons per 90 at a success rate of 56%.
Both of the aforementioned figures ranked him in the top 20% of forwards across Europe’s top-five leagues – subsequently backing up analyst Antonio Mango’s claim that he’s a “dribbling monster.”
A loan move for the Chelsea star could be an excellent deal for Leeds this window, as Farke could be handed another top-level talent in his hunt for glory.
Mudryk has a huge point to prove upon his return to Premier League action, which could only bode well for the Whites in their attempts to bolster the senior ranks.
However, Okafor may have to settle for further reduced minutes should a deal be agreed – with the Swiss star having every right to feel aggrieved by the possible deal.
