Better signing than Okafor: Leeds make approach for "incredible" £35m star
da bet7： There’s been a newfound sense of excitement building at Leeds United in recent months, undoubtedly aided by their return to the Premier League for the 2025/26 season.
da blaze casino： The opening day victory over Everton at Elland Road has certainly heightened the mood amongst the fanbase, with the hierarchy conducting excellent business in the market during the off-season.
Lukas Nmecha, who arrived on a free transfer from Wolfsburg, scored the winner against the Toffees, already making an immediate impact and catching the eye of the fanbase.
Other additions, such as Anton Stach and Gabriel Gudmundsson, have already cemented their place in the side, potentially playing a key role in Daniel Farke’s quest for survival come the end of May.
However, despite the previous work done by the hierarchy in recent months, other potential signings continue to be lined up before the transfer deadline on September 1st.
Leeds targeting move for further attacking options
In an effort to bolster the options in the forward line, Leeds have previously made a move for Inter Milan star Mehdi Taremi during the summer transfer window.
However, in the last few weeks, a move has gone quiet for the Iranian international, which has potentially seen the hierarchy move onto other targets as a result.
In recent days, the Whites have been conducting work to land Stuttgart talisman Ermedin Demirovic, according to Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg.
His latest update claims that Farke’s side have made an approach to the Bundesliga outfit over a deal to land the 27-year-old, who scored 17 goals in all competitions last campaign.
Plettenberg also stated that Nottingham Forest are also in the race for the Bosnian’s signature, potentially leading to a £35m deal taking place before the summer deadline.
Why Leeds’ latest target would be a better signing than Okafor
Despite the efforts elsewhere, Leeds have already completed the £18m signing of Noah Okafor from Italian side AC Milan – handing needed depth to the side within the final third.
The Swiss international can operate in a central striker role, or even off the left-hand side, providing needed versatility in the club’s quest for top-flight survival.
Whilst he only registered one goal in the 2024/25 season, the 25-year-old has previously showcased his quality, notching 34 goals in his 110 appearances for RB Salzburg – but injuries have certainly halted his progress in recent seasons.
However, the deal has still brought about added excitement to the fanbase, understandably so given his experience in top divisions across Europe – plying his trade in Italy, Switzerland and Austria.
He’s not the only player the fans should be eager to see, with Demirovic also able to offer further quality, that’s if the hierarchy can complete a deal for the forward before the summer window slams shut.
Such a move would see the Whites land the big-money centre forward they’ve been craving, with the Bosnian able to massively transform the club’s fortunes in the final third.
When delving into his stats from the Bundesliga last campaign, the striker produced numerous impressive figures that rank him highly among other attackers in Europe.
Ermedin Demirovic’s stats for Stuttgart in the Bundesliga (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)
Tally
Games played
34
Goals & assists
16
Goals per 90
0.73
Shots on target
1.3
Goals per shot on target
0.56
Aerials won
1.7
Touches in opposition box
6.1
Fouls won
1.3
Stats via FBref
Demirovic, who’s been labelled “incredible” by one analyst, ranked in the 90th percentile for goals per 90 (0.73) whilst also placing in the 86th percentile for goals per shot on target (0.56) – highlighting the clinical edge he possesses in front of goal.
He also won 1.7 aerials per 90 in the Bundesliga last campaign, offering a focal point and outlet for the Whites to play long ball football if they’re under pressure at the back.
The Stuttgart star also notched 6.1 touches in the opposition box per 90, ranking him in the 81st percentile – a skillset that would provide Farke’s side with a needed poacher in the final third.
Whilst his £35m asking price may seem a tad steep, it would hand the side an immediate top-level talisman in their attempts to avoid an immediate return to the Championship.
Should he replicate his numbers from 2024/25 at Elland Road, he would undoubtedly be a more exciting addition than Okafor, with the supporters having the opportunity to adore a new talisman this season.