Milan, Okafor is struggling significantly this season. Currently, the Swiss player is sidelined with a muscular injury and is expected to be available again by the end of January. However, even when fit, he has been completely below expectations. Under Stefano Pioli, he had become, along with Luka Jovic, a game-changer in the second halves.
Last season, Okafor scored six goals and provided three assists. At this moment, he is stuck at one goal, scored in the opening match against Torino (according to Transfermarkt data). Since then, nothing in terms of scoring.
It’s not just about the raw numbers: the Swiss player has been extremely struggling recently. He no longer plays as a striker but has ‘taken advantage’ of Leão’s struggles to start many matches as a left winger. The problem is, he hasn’t made a significant impact.
Noah Okafor joined Milan last season for around €15 million.
Initially, he was thought to be an alternative to Olivier Giroud as a striker, but he often played as Leão’s backup on the left. This season, he appears out of form, with his dribbling and pace less effective compared to last year. This is where the first doubts arise. Is it time to consider a possible sale?
The risk is that, with Leao in form, Okafor will play even less under Paulo Fonseca, potentially affecting his market value.
Certainly, Milan would lose an important option off the bench, but there’s another factor to consider: Alex Jiménez.
According to Paulo Fonseca, the Spaniard has become a starter for Milan. Currently playing as a left-back, Jiménez could also be deployed as a left winger once Theo Hernández regains his physical and psychological fitness. In that case, there would be even less space for Okafor, and his departure, either in January or the summer, could become increasingly likely.
Source: PianetaMilan.it.
