Leeds United have completed the signing of Swiss international Noah Okafor from AC Milan for a reported £18 million, a deal that has pushed Premier League clubs’ total summer spending to an unprecedented £2.37 billion.
The 25-year-old forward, who signed a four-year contract, becomes Leeds’ ninth signing of the window as the newly promoted side continues to strengthen ahead of their top-flight return.
The £2.37bn figure surpasses the previous record of £2.36bn set in the summer of 2023, with over a week still remaining before the window closes.
Okafor, capped 24 times by Switzerland, rose to prominence at RB Salzburg, where he won four league titles, before moving to Milan. He spent part of last season on loan at Napoli, contributing to their Serie A title run.
“As a kid, I dreamed of playing in the Premier League. For me, it was an easy decision,” Okafor told Leeds’ website. “My football suits the league — it’s intense, the best in the world. This is like a dream come true, and I can’t wait to step on the field.”
The striker said he was struck by Leeds’ fanbase after experiencing the club’s support during a pre-season friendly in Dublin. “It was a friendly, but there were 50,000 fans there. I was like, wow. I’ve heard Elland Road is even crazier,” he added.
At Elland Road, Okafor reunites with former Salzburg teammate Brenden Aaronson and joins compatriot Isaac Schmidt. His arrival follows Leeds’ opening-day 1–0 win over Everton and comes just days before their trip to Arsenal on Saturday.
The Gunners, who beat Manchester United 1–0 in their opener, have not lost at home to a newly promoted side since November 2010.
Avoiding defeat against Leeds would see Arsenal equal Chelsea’s record of 43 unbeaten home matches against top-flight newcomers.