Okafor reveals real reason RB Leipzig move fell through: “It was difficult for a day or two”

Noah Okafor has shed some light on why his proposed move to RB Leipzig in the winter window never got completed.

Okafor was very close to signing for RB Leipzig as he even flew to Germany to undergo a medical with the Bundesliga sidem but  he had to fly less than 24 hours later back as the deal collapsed.

Leipzig seemed to leak that it was due to an unsatisfactory medical – which Milan took a shot at – but as we revealed there was a late attempt to change economic aspects as well.

The true reasoning is something that only the people involved know, but in the end Okafor headed to Napoli and got himself a Serie A winners’ medal as they hoisted the Scudetto in May.

‘A very hectic period’

Noah Okafor appeared on the ‘Say Less’ podcast with his brothers Elijah and Isaiah and discussed his failed move to Leipzig in January. His comments were relayed by MilanNews.

“We had already had the medical, photos, and presentation on site,” recalls Noah Okafor. However, Leipzig pulled out at the last minute after the player discovered physical problems, specifically a herniated disc.

“They said they needed immediate reinforcements and would have spent too much money on a loan and a buy-out option if I wasn’t ready in six weeks.” This was the recovery time estimated by Leipzig’s doctors.

Okafor recalls: “Coach Rose really wanted me, the sporting director really wanted me, but the decision came from above, after a medical consultation.” A huge disappointment for Okafor, who admitted: “It was difficult for a day or two, and overall, it was a very hectic period.”

Photo by James Worsfold/Getty Images

The forward also criticised the Swiss press, who in his eyes focuses on irrelevant details such as which bags he carries and whether he owns a Louis Vuitton jacket. “There are many things that aren’t right in this country, and that’s why I don’t want to give interviews to them anymore. What did they expect? That I’d stuff all my clothes into an Ikea bag?”

The three Okafor brothers are footballers: Noah plays for AC Milan, Isaiah for Zurich’s U21 team, and Elijah is currently a free agent, after a final stint with Lugano’s B team. The three have revealed their greatest dream: to play together for the Swiss national team.

“Together, at the 2028 European Championship or the 2030 World Cup, we’ll make it, 100%,” said the youngest brother, Isaiah Okafor.