According to journalist Pete O’Rourke, Manchester City is considering a move for Red Bull Salzburg striker Noah Okafor, who “will be looking” to emulate Erling Haaland’s rise to the top.
Pep Guardiola is thought to want to add to his already impressive attacking options at the Etihad Stadium with a move for the 22-year-old, and the move could happen as soon as the January transfer window opens.
What is the latest news involving Okafor?
According to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg, there is a whole host of interest in Okafor, with the likes of City, Liverpool, and AC Milan set to battle it out to secure the services of the forward, in a deal that could be worth at least £30m.
The journalist also indicates that displays in the World Cup will be vital in whether the Switzerland international gets his move, but he was only brought on in the 72nd minute for his national side’s opener against Cameroon on Thursday.
Tutto Mercato also corroborates the proposed transfer fee for the forward, before going on to state that teams such as West Ham United, Chelsea, and Arsenal are also monitoring the situation, with the Premier League believed to be his preferred destination.
What has O’Rourke said about Okafor?
O’Rourke believes that Okafor will be attempting to learn as much as he can from Haaland in order to continue his development, telling GIVEMESPORT: “Obviously you’ve got the road that Erling Haaland went down, he played at Salzburg as well, and scored goals for them in the Champions League before getting his big move to Dortmund and eventually Manchester City so it’s a well-trodden path.
“I’m sure Okafor will be looking at Haaland and trying to learn from him to continue to establish himself as one of the best young forwards in Europe right now.”
Who will Okafor be playing next at the World Cup?
After getting off to a winning start in Qatar with a 1-0 victory against Cameroon, with lone striker Breel Embolo on the scoresheet, it is unclear how many opportunities the finisher will get in the Switzerland first team, however, he may be given a chance in a tough clash against Brazil next time out.
As the ten-time Switzerland international is versatile enough to play across the whole frontline, this could mean testing himself against the likes of Thiago Silva, Marquinhos, and Alex Sandro in the opposition defense.
Should he fare well against one of the tournament’s most-favored teams, Okafor could really put himself in the shop window for a move to the Premier League in the January transfer window.
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