Leeds United’s capture of Swiss forward Noah Okafor from AC Milan has tipped Premier League clubs into record-breaking territory for transfer spending.
The 25-year-old signed a four-year deal reportedly worth £18 million ($24m), pushing the league’s total summer outlay to £2.37 billion — eclipsing the £2.36bn spent in 2023. With more than a week left before the window shuts, that figure is expected to rise further.
Okafor, who earned 24 caps for Switzerland, made his breakthrough at RB Salzburg where he lifted four Austrian league titles. After moving to Milan, he spent last season on loan at Napoli, contributing during their title-winning campaign.
“For me, it was quite an easy decision,” Okafor said after sealing the move.
“As a kid, I dreamed of playing in the Premier League… this is like a dream come true. I can’t wait to step on the field. I heard that the Premier League is the best league in the world, it’s so intense.”
The striker, reunited at Leeds with former Salzburg teammate Brenden Aaronson and compatriot Isaac Schmidt, recalled being stunned by the club’s support during a friendly in Dublin.
“I was like, why are there so many fans in a friendly game? And then I saw on the screen it was like 50,000… quite loud. But I heard in the stadium (Elland Road), the atmosphere should be crazy.”
Okafor becomes Leeds’s ninth signing since their return to the Premier League. They face Arsenal next, with the Gunners aiming to maintain a remarkable record — they have not lost at home to a newly promoted side since 2010.
