Okafor Absence Fuels Leeds Transfer Talk Amid Leao, Paixao Speculation

Leeds UnitedTeam·Leeds United has commenced its pre-season preparations for the 2025/26 campaign with a significant talking point: the absence of prominent attacker Noah OkaforPlayer·Noah Okafor from the 30-player squad travelling to the USA. Okafor, who joined Leeds from AC MilanTeam·AC Milan for £18 million, has been a revelation for the club, providing a crucial goal threat and thrust from wide positions. His current omission is attributed to an extended break, granted after SwitzerlandTeam·Switzerland reached the quarter-finals of the World CupCompetition·World Cup, entitling players to a 21-day post-season holiday.

This development unfolds amidst a busy transfer window for Leeds, as the club actively seeks to bolster its attacking options. One of the most notable names linked is AC MilanTeam·AC Milan's Rafael LeaoPlayer·Rafael Leao. Reports indicate that the 27-year-old Portuguese winger's representatives have offered him to several major European clubs, including Leeds UnitedTeam·Leeds United, Manchester UnitedTeam·Manchester United, and ArsenalTeam·Arsenal, as he is expected to depart Milan this summer. While Leeds is keen on strengthening, the financial demands for Leao, with Milan reportedly open to offers starting at €80 million (£66.2 million), present a considerable challenge.

Leeds UnitedTeam·Leeds United's search for offensive talent has seen them explore various avenues. The club was previously in discussions with German attacking midfielder Julian BrandtPlayer·Julian Brandt, who was available on a free transfer. However, Brandt ultimately signed a three-year deal with AjaxTeam·Ajax, prompting Leeds to reassess their targets. Subsequently, interest has reportedly reignited in Olympique Marseille attacker Igor PaixaoPlayer·Igor Paixao, a player Leeds attempted to sign last summer.

Securing Paixao, however, appears complex. Marseille is reportedly demanding around £42 million for the player, while Leeds values him in the range of £25-30 million. Furthermore, French reports suggest that Paixao has no intention of leaving Marseille this summer. Both the player and his coach, Bruno Genesio, are reportedly keen for him to remain and build upon a season where he contributed 19 goal contributions in 42 games across all competitions. Marseille finished fifth in Ligue 1Competition·Ligue 1 last season, missing out on Champions LeagueCompetition·Champions League qualification.

Beyond Okafor, several other players were absent from Leeds' pre-season tour, with reasons ranging from potential exits to injury management. These include Largie RamazaniPlayer·Largie Ramazani, Joe GelhardtPlayer·Joe Gelhardt, Max Wober, Jack HarrisonPlayer·Jack Harrison, Sam ByramPlayer·Sam Byram, and Mateo JosephPlayer·Mateo Joseph. Leeds UnitedTeam·Leeds United concluded their 2025/26 season with a respectable 14th-place finish and an FA CupCompetition·FA Cup semi-final appearance, exceeding initial expectations. The club aims to build on this performance by strategically strengthening its squad for the upcoming season, navigating a competitive transfer market to secure the right additions.