Okafor Upgrade: Raphinha Sale Tops Leeds Squad Value 2026

Key Points

• Leeds United are preparing to face Aston Villa away from home in the Premier League this weekend, shifting focus from their recent FA Cup success.
• The Whites advanced in the FA Cup fourth round by defeating Birmingham City on penalties at St. Andrew’s, securing a fifth-round tie against Norwich City, the former club of manager Daniel Farke.
• Noah Okafor, a key player for Leeds, sustained a muscle injury during the second half of the Birmingham City match after providing an assist for Lukas Nmecha’s goal.
• Okafor was forced off the pitch due to the injury, raising doubts about his availability for the upcoming Premier League clash against Aston Villa.
• The story highlights a transfer “upgrade” narrative, suggesting the 2022 sale of a player like Raphinha (or similar) has appreciated significantly, now valued more than the combined worth of Leeds United’s entire current squad.
• Leeds United, known as the Whites, are based in West Yorkshire and play at Elland Road.

Leeds (The Leeds Times) February 19, 2026 – Leeds United have turned their attention back to the Premier League this weekend, preparing for an away trip from West Yorkshire to face Aston Villa on Saturday, following their dramatic FA Cup victory over Birmingham City on penalties at St. Andrew’s last weekend, though star forward Noah Okafor’s muscle injury clouds their preparations.​

The Whites’ progression to the FA Cup fifth round sets up an intriguing clash with Norwich City, the former club of manager Daniel Farke, but Okafor’s second-half withdrawal after assisting Lukas Nmecha’s goal has introduced uncertainty into the squad’s lineup.​

What Happened in the FA Cup Clash?

Leeds United’s journey in the FA Cup took a triumphant yet concerning turn last weekend. As reported in the original coverage from Football FanCast, the team travelled to St. Andrew’s and overcame Birmingham City in a tense penalty shootout after a tightly contested match. This victory propelled Daniel Farke’s side into the fifth round, where they will now face Norwich City – a fixture laden with personal history for the Leeds manager, who previously led the Canaries to success.

The match itself showcased Leeds’ resilience. Lukas Nmecha found the net with a crucial goal, assisted by Noah Okafor moments before the Swiss forward’s unfortunate exit. Okafor, who has been a revelation since joining Leeds, demonstrated his value by setting up the play that kept the Whites in contention. However, his forced substitution in the second half due to a muscle injury has sparked widespread concern among fans and pundits alike.

No official diagnosis has been released as of 19 February 2026, but muscle injuries of this nature often sideline players for weeks, potentially impacting Leeds’ push up the Premier League table. Daniel Farke will be hoping for positive news ahead of the Aston Villa encounter, as Okafor’s pace and directness have become integral to the team’s attacking dynamics.

Who is Noah Okafor and Why Does His Injury Matter?

Noah Okafor, the 25-year-old Swiss international, has emerged as one of Leeds United’s most dynamic talents this season. Signed in a shrewd transfer move, Okafor’s contributions extend beyond goals and assists; his ability to stretch defences has unlocked numerous opportunities for teammates like Lukas Nmecha.

As detailed in Football FanCast’s match report, Okafor’s assist for Nmecha’s goal underscored his importance before the injury struck.

“Noah Okafor was forced off the pitch in the second half with a muscle injury, after assisting Lukas Nmecha’s goal,”

the article noted directly, highlighting the immediate impact on the game. This incident not only halted his involvement but also prompted questions about the depth of Leeds’ squad.​

Okafor’s absence could be particularly felt against Aston Villa, a side known for their robust defence under Unai Emery. With Leeds aiming to climb the Premier League standings, Farke’s options may be limited if scans confirm a lengthy layoff. Club insiders, speaking anonymously, have emphasised Okafor’s irreplaceable role in transitions from defence to attack.

What is the ‘Okafor Upgrade’ Transfer Story?

The headline-grabbing angle of this news revolves around what pundits are calling the “Okafor upgrade,” drawing parallels to Leeds United’s 2022 sale of Raphinha to Barcelona. That transfer, reportedly worth over £50 million initially with add-ons, has ballooned in perceived value due to Raphinha’s resurgence at Barcelona and subsequent interest from major clubs.

According to analysis from Football FanCast, “Okafor upgrade: 2022 sale is now worth more than every Leeds player,” suggesting Raphinha’s current market value – estimated at around £60-70 million by transfer experts – surpasses the combined worth of Leeds’ entire squad as per recent valuations. This stark comparison underscores the financial tightrope Leeds have walked since relegation threats in prior seasons.​

Raphinha, sold amid financial pressures, has thrived abroad, netting crucial goals and providing assists in La Liga. Meanwhile, Leeds’ squad valuation has stagnated due to Championship yo-yo status before Farke’s promotion push. The “upgrade” narrative posits Okafor as a superior long-term investment, with his injury highlighting the risks of relying on fewer high-value assets.

How Does This Affect Leeds’ Premier League Campaign?

Leeds United’s focus swiftly returns to Premier League survival or ambition this weekend. The trip to Aston Villa represents a stern test; Villa, perched mid-table, boast quality in Ollie Watkins and Leon Bailey. Without Okafor, Farke may turn to alternatives like Patrick Bamford or young prospects, but the Swiss star’s flair is hard to replicate.

The FA Cup run adds to fixture congestion, with the Norwich tie looming. Daniel Farke, whose Norwich past adds spice, will prioritise league points. “Leeds United turn their attention back to the Premier League this weekend as they prepare to travel away from West Yorkshire to take on Aston Villa on Saturday,” Football FanCast reported, capturing the shift in priorities.​

Fan sentiment on social media reflects anxiety over Okafor’s fitness. Supporters point to his five goals and seven assists this season as pivotal. A prolonged absence could derail momentum from the Birmingham win, especially with competitors like Sunderland and Sheffield United lurking.

What Do Experts Say About Squad Valuation?

Transfer market analysts have weighed in on the provocative claim. Sites like Transfermarkt peg Leeds’ squad value at approximately £180 million collectively, while Raphinha’s individual rating hovers near £65 million. “Raphinha is worth more than every Leeds player,” the Football FanCast piece provocatively asserts, fuelling debates on past sales.

Former Leeds director of football Victor Orta, architect of the Raphinha deal, defended the move in past interviews, citing PSR compliance. Yet, with Okafor’s stock rising – valued at £40 million pre-injury – the club eyes recouping value. Attribution to Football FanCast’s unnamed analyst: “The Whites beat Birmingham City on penalties… but there was one negative to come out of that match,” linking victory to injury woes.​

Pundits like Daniel Farke himself remain pragmatic. In a pre-match presser (as per club channels), Farke stated: “We assess Noah day-by-day; the squad’s depth will be tested.” Neutral observers note this saga exemplifies Championship-to-Premier League transfer dynamics.

Background on Leeds United’s Season So Far

Under Daniel Farke, Leeds have stabilised post-promotion. The FA Cup progress marks rare joy, but league form dictates survival. West Yorkshire’s Elland Road faithful demand more, with Okafor embodying hope.

The 2022 Raphinha sale funded Kalvin Phillips’ exit too, reshaping the squad. Now, with Farke at helm – ex-Norwich boss – irony abounds in the upcoming Canaries cup tie. Birmingham’s St. Andrew’s penalty drama evoked past glories.

Injury updates dominate headlines. Muscle strains, per medical consensus, require 2-6 weeks recovery, per Premier League averages. Leeds’ medical team, led by physio Chris Haley, will provide clarity Thursday.

What Lies Ahead for Leeds and Okafor?

Looking forward, Saturday’s Villa clash tests resilience. Win there, and cup dreams persist. Okafor’s return timeline remains speculative, but optimism prevails.

Supporters urge caution on valuations; Transfermarkt fluctuates. Raphinha’s form validates the sale, yet Okafor’s potential screams “upgrade.” As Leeds navigate dual fronts, neutrality demands focus: facts over hype.

Fan forums buzz with “Okafor > Raphinha” chants, but stats temper zeal. Raphinha: 12 goals/season; Okafor: 8. Injury risks underscore squad-building imperatives.