Atletico Madrid and Manchester United are reportedly interested in Red Bull Salzburg sensation Noah Okafor and want to make a move for the player next summer.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Atletico Madrid and Manchester United have targeted Red Bull Salzburg’s Noah Okafor to lead their line. The La Liga giants’ main objective is to secure a deal for the 22-year-old forward.
Despite being well stocked on paper, Atletico Madrid’s current attacking contingent has not done justice to their reputation. And Diego Simeone has been searching for that x-factor in their ranks. The likes of Alvaro Morata and Matheus Cunha have not performed to the expected level, and some necessary shake-ups need to be done in the transfer market.
Okafor’s stupendous form has alerted several clubs. And the likes of Manchester United, AC Milan and Leeds United could be engaged in stiff competition to acquire his service. Eight goals in 14 matches speak volumes of the talent he possesses. But Red Bull Salzburg will have no intention to sell one of their most prized assets for the time being.
But Okafor will enter the last year of his contract next summer, and the Austrian club might find it difficult to keep a hold of him. It will be difficult to put off suitors, meaning a potential deal could be on the cards. Okafor is valued at around €20 million. But Atletico Madrid need to make some space in a bid to accommodate the forward.
The Spanish giants have reportedly agreed to a €20 million fee to make Antoine Griezmann’s loan move permanent from Barcelona. Okafor’s arrival could see him partnering with the French international, who stands to be their fourth-highest goal scorer.
Meanwhile, Manchester United will look at Okaford as a long-term replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese international has lost prominence at Old Trafford this season, and the Red Devils might sell him soon. So pursuing Okafor to replace Ronaldo might be a sound decision by Manchester United.
It remains to be seen whether Atletico Madrid or Manchester United decide to launch an offer in January or decide to wait for next summer, when his price might drop due to his contract situation.
