Leeds United reject approach from Sunderland for Noah Okafor

Sunderland see bid rejected for Leeds striker Okafor amid frantic deadline day

Sunderland saw a deadline day bid for Leeds forward Noah Okafor rejected, according to Alex Crook at TalkSport.

#LUFC rejected an approach from #SAFC for Noah Okafoe @talkSPORT

— Alex Crook ⚽️🎙 (@alex_crook) September 1, 2026

The reports suggest that, whilst the North-East club did test the waters, Leeds were quick to rebuff any approach and talks for a deal never really got off the ground.

Sunderland's frantic deadline day

Okafor was just one name on a list of many that Sunderland cycled through across the day in a bid to reinforce Regis Le Bris' attack, with the Black Cats ultimately getting their initial target in Malick Fofana.

🚨🔴⚪️ Malick Fofana’s agents have just informed all parties involved in transfer-saga that the player wants to join Sunderland.

Fofana, now set to join #SAFC as originally planned this morning. pic.twitter.com/6UaIRtFWVJ

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 1, 2026

The Swiss attacker would have marked an astute edition for Sunderland, but was only ever really a back up target on the off chance they failed to secure the services of either Fofana or Lukebakio who they are interested in secruing before the window closes.

Any deal for Okafor would likely have rested on the ability of Leeds to secure a replacement, something which is a big ask in such little time.

Daniel Farke has also been open about how important Okafor is to his squad and thus, the deal fell flat in its early stages.