Recent reports from Manchester Evening News state that Manchester United are keen on signing Red Bull Salzburg centre-forward Noah Okafor in the upcoming transfer window as Erik Ten Hag looks set to add to his options in the attacking department.
‘However, there is another name at Salzburg that United fans should perhaps be keeping their eyes on – [Benjamin] Sesko’s teammate, Noah Okafor.’ – The report read.
Okafor’s current contract at the Red Bull Arena expires in June 2024.
A Must-Sign For Erik Ten Hag?
Having come through the ranks at Swiss club FC Basel, Noah Okafor signed for RB Salzburg in January 2020 for a fee in the region of £10 million. Over the course of the past three years, the Swiss international has made ninety-two appearances for the Austrian outfit, scoring thirty-two goals and assisting twenty more across all competitions. Besides, aged 22, the Binningen-born striker has secured eight caps for Switzerland’s senior team.
With ten goal contributions in fourteen matches this season, he has managed to put up some impressive numbers on the board – averaging 2.7 shots, one dribble, and 0.3 key passes per ninety minutes in the UEFA Champions League. Capable of playing anywhere across the front line, versatility is one of Okafor’s prime strengths.
‘Ten Hag may be particularly interested in Okafor due to his versatility, particularly his natural tendency to cut in from the left-hand side and score with his dominant right foot.’ – stated the report.
‘The Salzburg forward boasts blistering pace, combined with superb vision and dribbling abilities. Given his success at beating his man and taking on defenders in 1 v 1 situations, it seems that his play style is naturally suited to the Premier League.’
Manchester United are in dire need of reinforcements in the striker’s department – and Okafor fits the bill perfectly. Aged 22, he has plenty of time on his side and is already one of Europe’s most exciting strikers. Hence, the board should go all out for his signature in the upcoming transfer window.
(Stats from WhoScored)
