Okafor to Join U.S. Tour After Completing Milan Move

 

 Swiss international striker, Noah Okafor has officially signed for AC Milan after completing his medical this Saturday. After signing his deal, the attacker will reportedly fly to the United States and joins up with his new teammates for their pre-season tour. 

 

🆗 @noah_okafor: welcome Noah ✍
#ACMQuest #SempreMilan pic.twitter.com/B7vVSgNisd

— AC Milan (@acmilan) July 22, 2023

Reports of Okafor's arrival as the Rossoneri's new signing came up in haste as multiple sources, including Fabrizio Romano, revealed the deal on Friday. Without much delay, the 23-year-old is already seen taking his scheduled medical test before officially signing his contract with the Red and Black squad this Saturday. 

 

 

The official announcement arrived on Saturday night but that won't stop Okafor from immediately joining up with his new teammates. Reports from Italy suggest that the Swiss international forward will be flying to the USA on Sunday and start his pre-season with Milan. 

Not a New Target for Milan

 

Although the news of Okafor's signing for the Rossoneri came in a sudden, he is not actually a new name for the Serie A giant. Milan have been linked with the young striker since last season, notably after the Rossoneri met with the player's former club, RB Salzburg, during their Champions League group stage campaign. 

Okafor put on a solid display, especially at the first meeting in Austria, which ended in a 1-1 draw. The 23-year-old forward netted a special goal in that game, which saw him smoothly beat Pierre Kalulu before slotting the ball passed Mike Maignan. That game was apparently the first time that Milan's boss, Stefano Pioli set his eyes on the attacker. 

From that moment, the Rossoneri continue to monitor the striker and they eventually pull the trigger this weekend. Milan are reportedly set to pay around 15m Euro (including bonuses) to sign Okafor from Salzburg. The number is relatively low considering his talent, but that situation most likely happened as he is in the final year of his contract. 

Okafor to Replace Ante Rebic

The versatile striker can play in multiple attacking roles, from wide left to right forward, and also playing more central. Many believe that Okafor can be an alternative to Olivier Giroud next summer, while that might be true but technically speaking, the Swiss international's arrival is mostly to replace Ante Rebic. 

The Croatian striker is reportedly set to leave the club as he has been left out of Milan's pre-season tour in the U.S. Similar to Okafor, Rebic is also a versatile attacker, who despite preferring playing wide has also been placed centrally at times by Pioli. Despite being part of the Rossoneri's success, especially in winning the Scudetto two seasons ago, the ex-Fiorentina man is not considered part of the club's plan anymore. 

Aside from Rebic, Milan will also offload another attacker, Divock Origi but for now, his position is being replaced by Lorenzo Colombo. The Rossoneri will be looking to see both Rebic and Origi departing from Milanello as soon as possible. 

Meanwhile, Okafor who has just recovered from a metatarsal injury will be starting his new adventure with Milan as soon as possible. The Rossoneri are also hoping that the Swiss international can help them back to snatch the Scudetto title and do well once again in Europe. 

 

Okafor Take Rafael Leao's Previous Number 

 

 

 

After offically confirmining his signing, Milan also revealed that the Swiss international attacker will be using Leao's old shirt number, 17. That number is available as the Portuguese decided to change into no. 10 this summer following Brahim Diaz's return to Real Madrid.