According to a recent report by the Express, Manchester City are monitoring the progress of FC Basel winger Noah Okafor. However, the same source has also mentioned that the Citizens, who are facing a potential ban for the next two transfer windows from FIFA over alleged breaches of the third party ownership rules, will face stiff competition from the likes of Borussia Dortmund and Inter Milan in pursuit of the Swiss sensation.
The Express has also revealed that Okafor’s current contract with FC Basel is set to run out in the summer of 2023 and so the Swiss outfit won’t be under any pressure to sell their prized asset.
Okafor came through the youth ranks of FC Basel before managing to break into their first-team towards the end of last season following an impressive showing in a youth competition.
The 18-year-old has made 19 appearances for Marcel Koller’s team this term, scoring three goals while creating two assists across all competitions. He has also represented his country at various youth levels and has a promising international career ahead of him if he can continue improving on the pitch.
Okafor is versatile enough to play in multiple positions across the frontline. He primarily operates as a left-sided winger but is also capable of filling in on the right flank or as a centre-forward up top. The Swiss wonderkid has blistering pace and is a decent dribbler with the ball down the wide areas. He is also physically strong which should help him cut the mustard in the Premier League.
The acquisition of a player of Okafor’s massive potential will undoubtedly bolster Pep Guardiola’s attacking options in the future. However, for now, it is hard to see how he would be able to get enough game time at the Etihad Stadium. Man City have already got some of the best wingers in European football in Leroy Sane, Raheem Sterling, Bernardo Silva and Riyad Mahrez who are battling for a place in Guardiola’s first-team.
It is also worth noting that the Citizens have lost two talented young wingers recently in Jadon Sancho and Brahim Diaz and so it is no surprise that they are trying to add more quality to their academy.
Guardiola is looking to build a dynasty at Manchester City and Okafor could be another step towards establishing long-term success at the blue half of Manchester.
