Leeds United’s return to the Premier League was not quiet.
Following the 100-point championship marketing campaign, possession of 49ers Enterprises has given Daniel Farke an enormous supporter within the switch market and landed an bold signature.
Gamers like Lucas Perry, Sean Longstaff, James Justin and Dominique Calvert Lewin have all arrived.
Nonetheless, it wasn’t simply arrival that made headlines.
Essential exits included Rasmus Christensen, Maximilian Weber, Junior Furpo, and maybe essentially the most controversial, Lalgie Ramazani.
The Belgian winger was a vigorous outlet throughout his promotion push final season, however he was loaned out to Valencia for the marketing campaign.
The controversy on whether or not Ramazani ought to keep has grown because the membership continues to be discovering the rhythm of the Premier League.
Why Leeds lends it to Ramazani
Ramazani’s non permanent departure is a wierd subplot into the summer time of Leeds.
The 24-year-old Belgian Youth Worldwide joined solely from Almería final yr, however rapidly crafted his function within the promotional marketing campaign.
He was featured 29 occasions within the Championship and produced six objectives and two assists.
In keeping with TransferMarkt, the market worth was £6 million, and he represented Prime 12 months gamers and thought many followers have been able to go to the following degree.
The pure leftist Ramazani’s fundamental power is to increase his defenses and commit his opponents one-on-one.
His power and willingness to run meant he was typically a distinction maker of tight video games.
On mortgage in Valencia, he featured twice and supplied the identical mix of direct dribbling and counter assault thrusts that gained recognition on Erndo Street.
Nonetheless, underneath the floor rely, Ramazani’s output is proscribed on the championship degree, suggesting that he could have struggled with the division as nicely.
His 9 purpose involvement over 30 video games final season was revered, however hardly ever conclusive in large moments.
That is a part of the rationale why Leeds permitted his mortgage, particularly given the size of their recruitment drive and the emergence of the identical place of maybe higher expertise.
Solutions to a variety of Leeds questions
If Ramazani represents an unfulfilled promise, Noah Okafor presents a extra full package deal.
The 25-year-old Swiss Worldwide, signed by AC Milan for £18 million, arrived with pedigrees constructed throughout Europe.
His journey took him from FC Basel to RB Salzburg, the place he constructed a fame as an explosive advance within the Champions League earlier than stints in Naples and Milan.
Final season, he scored 11 occasions in Serie A and made 5 appearances on the European stage.
Okafor is greater than only a winger hugging the touchline. Described as “electrical energy” by Scout Jacek Kulig, he combines agility and energy with two pairs of steadiness, tight management and the power to defeat gamers in tight areas.
Importantly, he’s additionally rather more rounded than the Ramazani. His defensive energy, progressive carrying and ambidextrous dribbling make him appropriate for each excessive strain and counterattack programs.
The statistical comparisons are already leaning in his favor.
Noah Okafor – 2024/25 | |
|---|---|
Matches performed | 15 |
Min | 454 |
the purpose | 1 |
Progressive Carry | 28 |
Progressive Move | 13 |
Supply: FBREF | |
Final season, Okafor produced 5.60 progressive carry per 90 in comparison with Ramazani’s 4.61, but additionally produced extra shot-making actions (3.50-2.97).
Carries are thought-about progressive if the ball strikes from the start line in direction of the opponent’s purpose at the least 10 yards or extra, or is carried into the penalty space.
He additionally hit targets extra often, incomes 1.83 photographs on course per 90 in comparison with Ramazani’s 1.39.
Though Ramazani leads the involvement of objectives (considered one of Okafor from 9), the Swiss ahead’s underlying figures present a lot higher effectivity when settling within the Premier League.
One other space the place Okafor stands out is the development of the ball.
His 25.2 displays carry round 90, reflecting the guts of his development of his possessions, however his fusion of power and management ensures that he can each proceed enjoying and drive previous opponents.
Ramazani’s uncooked tempo is useful, however Okafor presents a variety of instruments that make it troublesome for him to defend at an elite degree.
Okafor’s European expertise is one other clear distinction. Confronted with a Champions League knockout tie and Serie A protection, he arrives at Elland Street at a mature degree that Ramazani has but to show.
His show over the weekend gave us a glimpse into what he may carry: direct operating, inventive sparks, and the bodily presence Leeds lacked within the wider area.
For Leeds, the choice to let Ramazani go away now seems to be much less dangerous.
The Belgian should show his price in La Liga, however Okafor already appears to have the ability to provide Premier League high quality.
With a staff that balances survival and ambition, having a winger with Okafor’s caliber could show a better funding.
