Man City: Journalist reacts to Noah Okafor rumours

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has been reacting to rumours linking Manchester City with a move for RB Salzburg attacker Noah Okafor.

The Lowdown: City’s link to Okafor

Earlier this month, it was reported by Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg that City are one of the clubs interested in signing the Salzburg star.

At the age of 22, Okafor is currently involved in his first World Cup alongside City defender Manuel Akanji representing Switzerland.

With the January transfer window approaching, it seems as though a behind-the-scenes hint has been shared regarding the Manchester club’s reported interest in the player.

The Latest: O’Rourke’s comments

Speaking to GiveMeSport, O’Rourke had this to say about Okafor and the possibility of him making a move to the Etihad Stadium, labelling it as ‘really exciting’.

“It would be a really exciting signing and he’s probably one of the most highly-rated young players in European football right now.

“He’s impressed at RB Salzburg, scoring goals for them and scoring goals in the Champions League as well and it’s just enhanced his reputation. He’s a top young player who will be at the World Cup Switzerland as well.

“I’m sure Man City will be keeping tabs on him. Probably a number of top European clubs as well, because I don’t expect RB Salzburg to keep hold of him for much longer. He will probably want to move to one of the bigger European leagues in the near future.”

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The Verdict: Smart investment?

Having scored 10 goals across the 22 games he’s played in all competitions in 2022/23, it’s easy to see why City are eyeing Okafor, who has been labelled as ‘incredibly prolific’ and in ‘crazy form’ by talent scout Jacek Kulig earlier this season.

In fact, only two other players at Salzburg have racked up more shots at goal than Okafor (26) in the Austrian Bundesliga this season, further highlighting how much of a capable attacking figure he is.

Do City need to sign another striker?

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Bearing in mind how City have signed a couple of young attackers in recent months in the shape of Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez, perhaps signing this sort of player profile is what the club are looking to do moving forward.

This could make launching a move for Okafor a smart investment for them to make as a player that has the capacity to be a long-term figure at the Etihad.