Why Leeds have to wait for Leao before completing Okafor deal with Milan

Originally posted on Football Italia | By Peter Young | Last updated Aug 18, 2025 12:55 PM ET

Leeds United are closing in on a deal with Milan for forward Noah Okafor, but recent updates in Italy suggest that the Rossoneri want to wait to hear back regarding Rafael Leao’s condition before sanctioning a sale of the Switzerland international.

Why Leao could delay Okafor deal with Leeds

According to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport, Leeds have an agreement on personal terms in place with Okafor, but have not yet reached a full agreement with Milan.

The Rossoneri have been seeking a fee of €20m to sell the 25-year-old, who moved to San Siro at a cost in the region of €13m-€15m two years ago. Updates from Calciomercato.com claim that Leeds are close to matching Milan’s valuation, and that a deal could feasibly go through within the next few days.

Calciomercato adds, however, that Milan are waiting to hear back about Leao’s condition following the injury he picked up during the Coppa Italia first round on Monday night.

The Portugal international lined up as a starting centre-forward alongside Christian Pulisic and found the net within the first 15 minutes of an eventual 2-0 win over Bari in San Siro, but was forced off with an apparent calf injury shortly afterwards.

Monday’s update claims that Milan want to know how long it will take Leao to recover before signing off on a sale of Okafor to Leeds.

This article first appeared on Football Italia and was syndicated with permission.

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