Ao Tanaka’s outstanding display in Japan’s 4-0 demolition of Tunisia will have delighted Leeds United supporters on Monday morning.
The Leeds midfielder received widespread praise from the Japanese media after producing the energetic and combative performance Whites fans have become accustomed to seeing from him at Elland Road.
Even Gabriel Gudmundsson earned respectable reviews despite Sweden suffering a crushing 5-1 defeat against the Netherlands on Sunday evening.
However, while Brenden Aaronson is still waiting for his first appearance of the tournament for the United States, it is Noah Okafor who should be growing increasingly concerned after failing to feature in Switzerland’s opening two World Cup matches.
Noah Okafor has genuine reasons to worry about his Leeds United future
The Swiss forward finished last season as one of Leeds’ most dangerous attacking players and played a key role in helping the Whites secure Premier League survival with plenty of games to spare.
After resolving his differences with Switzerland head coach Murat Yakin, Okafor earned a place in the national team’s World Cup squad and was expected to play an important role during the tournament.
Instead, he has remained an unused substitute in Switzerland’s first two group-stage fixtures, and there is little indication that he will suddenly be handed a starting role against Canada on Wednesday.
His lack of involvement on the international stage is unlikely to strengthen his position when Daniel Farke begins making key selection decisions ahead of the new Premier League campaign.
Leeds are actively pursuing attacking reinforcements this summer, with the club targeting players capable of operating on the wing or in advanced attacking positions. Any new arrival would inevitably increase competition for places and could place additional pressure on Okafor.
The Swiss international needs to find a way into the national team setup and make an impact at the World Cup before returning to West Yorkshire.
Football can be unforgiving, and reputations fade quickly. If Leeds secure another attacking signing while Okafor endures a frustrating tournament, he could find himself watching more matches from the bench than he anticipated next season.
Harry Wilson interest presents another problem for Okafor
Leeds are reportedly pushing to sign Fulham winger Harry Wilson on a free transfer once his contract expires at the end of the month.
Although Fulham have offered the Welsh international a new deal, Leeds, Everton and Aston Villa are all working hard to convince him to move this summer.
The Whites are believed to have proposed a significant salary increase and are hoping their strong Welsh contingent can help persuade Wilson to choose Elland Road.
Wilson’s arrival would represent a direct challenge to Okafor’s place in the side. The Fulham star is capable of playing on either flank, as a support striker, or in an advanced midfield role, making him an attractive option for Farke.
A disappointing World Cup campaign combined with Leeds successfully landing Wilson could create a very difficult situation for Okafor ahead of the 2026/27 season.
