Noah Okafor joins AC Milan from Red Bull Salzburg

Swiss player of Nigerian descent, Noah Okafor has completed a move from Red Bull Salzburg to Italian giants AC Milan for a fee of around €15m.

Milan announced on Saturday, July 22, that the 23-year-old has signed a five-season contract, making the step up to one of Europe’s top-five leagues.

Okafor whose father left Nigeria for Switzerland in the 1990s came through the youth ranks at Basel, making his professional debut in 2018 and scoring seven goals in 54 games.

He moved to Salzburg in January 2020 and attracted the attention of Milan after netting 34 times in 110 appearances, helping the club to four Austrian Bundesliga titles and three Austrian Cups.

Despite suffering a metatarsal fracture last season, the forward had a modest, yet promising 15 G/A  in all competitions.

On one of Okafor’s photos on Instagram, picturing the forward celebrating against Milan, Rafael Leao commented “You better do this with my shirt”.

The Portuguese star recently changed his number from 17 to 10 to ensure his pal get it.

“AC Milan has always been my dream club,” Okafor told the club website.

“When I was a kid I admired Kaka and Ronaldinho playing in this jersey, and last year I had the great pleasure of playing against them at San Siro, wearing the Salzburg jersey.

“For us, the result was a disaster, but the experience of feeling the power in such a stadium was incredible. I personally experienced this passion of the Rossoneri fans and was enchanted by it.

“I also scored for AC Milan in the Champions League and later had a conversation with Leao. “Since Milan became interested in me, I asked Rafa for some information and he told me how great and legendary this club is.

“I can’t wait to meet my new teammates, the Coach, all the staff members, managers, and everyone at the club. I always wanted to come to Milan.

“Now I am here and I can’t wait to feel and absorb all the enthusiasm and passion of the fans. And I want to help Milan write special stories and win. Thank you for allowing me to be here.”