Four-year contract agreed as Leeds edge closer to signing their new Okafor

There should be an added swagger about Leeds United this summer. Fresh from survival, they’re no longer the new kids on the block. Instead, they get the pleasure of welcoming new neighbours in ruthless fashion next season.

That doesn’t just make an impact on the pitch, either. The transfer food chain has also changed in their favour.

Even after Brighton & Hove Albion flexed their own position in pursuit of Pascal Struijk recently, the defender’s exit looks to be a mere blip in an all-important summer at Elland Road.

Leeds agree deal to sign Premier League star

Daniel Farke deserves massive credit for where Leeds are right now. They didn’t just survive last season, they did so in style at times – beating the likes of Chelsea and rivals Manchester United.

It was the German’s system change which proved pivotal. The 3-5-2 was an act of genius and those at Elland Road haven’t looked back since. Now that system is in place, however, it’s all about backing Farke with suitable additions.

Paraag Marathe admitted at the end of the season that the 49ers still have SCR (formerly PSR) to worry about, but that’s not stopped the rumours from arriving.

Names like Lois Openda have emerged as potential targets, whilst Julian Brandt looks like a serious option and another bargain deal has already been agreed.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Harry Wilson has now agreed a four-year deal to join Leeds, arriving as a free agent. The Welshman could go down as one of the best bargain deals of the summer fresh from an excellent final campaign at Fulham.

It’s not the first time that Leeds have attempted to sign the winger, either. This time, though, those at Elland Road have finally got their man.

In full Romano noted: “Harry Wilson to Leeds is done, the deal is close, the deal is agreed. A four year contract has been agreed. Wilson wanted this move and to become a new Leeds player despite proposals from the Middle East.”

How Harry Wilson can become Leeds’ new Okafor

A direct winger who’s got a taste for goals sounds familiar, doesn’t it? That’s exactly what Noah Okafor offered Farke in his debut campaign last time out.

The former AC Milan man needed his move to the Premier League to go right. He was at risk of becoming an undeniable flop after already struggling in Italy.

It’s worth noting that he didn’t exactly hit the ground running in England, either. In fact, Okafor only scored twice in his first 22 Premier League games, before scoring six in his final seven games of the season.

So, a goalscoring wide man is clearly a formula that works at Leeds these days and that’s what makes the arrival of Wilson so exciting. A master of the spectacular, the Welshman should take Farke’s frontline to a whole new level next season.

There’s clear potential for Wilson to reproduce his Fulham numbers in a Leeds shirt next season. Okafor enjoyed chances worth 5.46 xG last season, scoring eight goals as a result. That’s around 0.5 below Wilson’s Fulham xG, which he outperformed by just under five goals in an excellent campaign.

The chance-creation is on offer under Farke and that’s where players like Wilson and Okafor thrive from out wide. Meanwhile, the former’s own chance creation numbers should only enhance the form of Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

On a free transfer, there aren’t many better options than the former Liverpool man this summer. Leeds have been forced to wait for his signature, but have struck at the perfect time to repeat their Okafor genius.

After enjoying survival at the first time of asking last season, the aim is now to become an established Premier League side – something that Wilson will certainly help in the next 12 months.