Leeds United gambled on certain players in the summer transfer window, and are banking on a few of those signings coming off as successes to keep the Whites in the Premier League this season.
The Whites spent £100m on 10 new players in the summer transfer window, and some of them were gambles as a few of the new signings have joined the club with fitness concerns around them.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is the biggest such example of Leeds’ recruitment strategy. The club are banking on their medical team to keep the striker fit and firing this season.
Noah Okafor also had concerns around his fitness, but he has removed some of those fears early in the season with two Premier League goals. However, fresh issues emerged around his attitude problem, which has kept him away from the Switzerland squad.
Leeds United praise Okafor despite his national team problems
Leeds signed Okafor in the summer on the back of a poor season in Italy, where he struggled with both form and fitness at AC Milan and on loan at Napoli.
However, he has already scored twice this season and has looked a potent attacking threat in the Premier League, which should have got him into the Switzerland squad.
But Switzerland head coach Murat Yakin has not selected the winger for over a year, and has serious issues with his attitude and discipline.
His problems with the winger seem to surprise Leeds, as journalist Graeme Bailey reports that the club is more than happy with what they have seen from Okafor.
He stressed that the club believe the winger has taken the quality of the squad to the next level since his arrival.
“From a Leeds perspective, they’re happy with Okafor. I’ve only heard good things”, Bailey told LeedsUnited.News.
“They’re happy, they think he has really upped the quality in the squad. No concerns from what I’m told. Pretty happy.”
Leeds fans are happy that Okafor will rest well during the break and can start firing again when the Whites host Burnley at Elland Road.
Okafor has proved his critics early in his time at Leeds
The Belgian’s form and fitness in the last year were nothing to write home about, and some questioned Leeds’ decision to sign him from AC Milan on a permanent deal.
However, Leeds gambled on his talent, and so far, the club’s punt on the winger coming good at Elland Road seems to be paying off.
He shook off a small groin problem, and has been one of the first names on Farke’s starting eleven, nailing down the left-wing spot.
Leeds hope that he is also over his injury issues and will play a key role in ensuring the Whites stay in the Premier League this season.
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