Video: Milan goodbye to ‘last-minute hero’ Okafor as Leeds move confirmed

AC Milan’s Swiss forward #17 Noah Okafor celebrates after scoring during the Italian Serie A football match between Lazio and AC Milan on March 01, 2024 at the Olympic stadium in Rome. (Photo by Alberto PIZZOLI / AFP) (Photo by ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP via Getty Images)

Milan posted a video with Noah Okafor’s best goals, calling the new Leeds United striker their ‘last-minute hero.’

Milan confirmed Okafor’s Leeds transfer with an official statement on Thursday.

Milan call Okafor ‘last-minute hero’ after official Leeds transfer

The 25-year-old has completed a permanent transfer worth €21m, including add-ons.

Okafor only netted seven goals in 54 appearances across all competitions with Milan, but four of those were scored from minute 76 to minute 90 and two during stoppages in the second half.

Milan say goodbye to Okafor

Milan shared an Instagram video with Okafor’s best moments at San Siro after confirming his transfer to Leeds.

Okafor transfer – official Leeds statement

“Leeds United are delighted to announce the signing of Noah Okafor on a four-year contract, subject to a work permit and international clearance.

“The 25-year-old arrives at Elland Road on a permanent deal from Italian giants AC Milan and can operate across the forward areas on either wing, or as a central striker when required to do so.

“Beginning his career in Switzerland with FC Basel, Okafor’s trickery, pace and eye for goal meant he was named the Swiss Super League Young player of the Year, which then earned a move to Red Bull Salzburg.

“His stay with the Austrian outfit saw the attacker play over 100 times across all competitions, registering 57 goal involvements in those games. Four successive league titles, as well as three Austrian Cups were a reward for his efforts within the team.

“Okafor impressed domestically for his side and also across European competition. He played 16 times in the UEFA Coppa Campioni for Die Roten Bullen, scoring six times. This form led to Italian powerhouse AC Milan moving for his signature in 2023.

“In his first season at the San Siro, Okafor was a regular member of the side who finished as runners-up in the league standings. The following year he was again a big part of the Milan side before joining Napoli on loan in the winter window. The attacker played an important role at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, helping Gli Azzurri to win just their fourth ever Scudetto!

“At international level Okafor also has plenty of experience. After progressing through the younger age groups, he made his senior debut for Switzerland in 2019 against England in the Nations League finals. He now has 24 caps to his name and represented his country at the 2022 World Cup.

“Our ninth arrival of a productive summer signs for the Whites with the Premier League campaign now underway, following Monday night’s late win over Everton! He will join a squad with some familiar faces too, having come up against his new side in the pre-season friendly in Dublin.

“Everyone at Leeds United would like to welcome Noah to the club and we look forward to seeing him make his debut.”