How Noah Okafor Could Slot into Daniel Farke’s Leeds United for 2025/26

Leeds United have entered the new Premier League campaign with Daniel Farke still at the helm and a clear blueprint in place. The German coach has built a side grounded in controlled possession, measured build-up, and intelligent movement, but he’s also recognised the need for more power and resilience at the top level. That makes any new arrival a tactical puzzle — and Swiss forward Noah Okafor would be no exception if he were to arrive at Thorpe Arch this summer.

The Farke Framework:

Farke’s Leeds are at their best when dictating the tempo from the back, drawing opponents in, and releasing quick runners into advanced areas. Full-backs push high, midfielders break lines, and the front three are expected to stretch defences both vertically and horizontally. In the Championship, that formula yielded fluid football and dominance in possession; in the Premier League, Farke has tightened the shape and embraced a more robust, aerially capable squad to cope with physical demands.

Okafor’s Profile:

At 25, Okafor arrives with a résumé spanning the Swiss Super League, Austria’s Bundesliga, and Serie A. A player more known for sharp bursts of pace and intelligent positioning than brute force, he is comfortable operating on either wing or as a central forward. His time at Napoli, however, brought limited minutes — meaning his sharpness is still a question mark heading into the season.

🚨 NOAH OKAFOR SCORES VS LIVERPOOL 🤯🔥pic.twitter.com/mtz2VRszOn

— KinG £ (@xKGx__) July 26, 2025

Why He Fits?

The Swiss international’s acceleration and movement without the ball would give Leeds an extra dimension in transition. He thrives on running in behind, which dovetails neatly with Farke’s tendency to play vertical passes through the lines. His close control in tight spaces would also help in breaking down deep-lying opposition, while his positional flexibility offers options when rotating the front line.

Potential Drawbacks:

The Premier League’s physical edge may test Okafor. Leeds have consciously recruited height and strength this summer, and Okafor’s game is not built on winning duels or bullying defenders. He would also need to buy into Farke’s defensive demands — pressing as a unit and tracking back — which hasn’t always been a defining feature of his previous roles. Finally, without consistent recent match time, there’s the challenge of getting him up to speed in the season’s early weeks.

Possible Roles:

Okafor could thrive as an impact substitute, entering games to exploit tired legs and open spaces. He might also be used wide in a front three to stretch the pitch and free up space for Joel Piroe or Lukas Nmecha through the middle. Against compact sides, his ability to drift centrally and combine with midfield runners could provide a much-needed creative spark.

My Verdict:

If Leeds want to balance their newfound physicality with flair and mobility, Okafor could be a valuable piece. He’s not a like-for-like fit with the more imposing attackers Farke has leaned toward, but precisely because of that, he offers variety. The challenge will be integrating him quickly, sharpening his match fitness, and ensuring he buys into the disciplined, high-work-rate system that has underpinned Leeds’ rise under Farke. Get that right, and Okafor could be more than just a rotation option — he could be a difference-maker.