Sky journalist: Okafor has ‘not integrated’ as Milan search for ‘three pillars’ this summer | OneFootball

After joining AC Milan in the summer, many were left questioning what role Noah Okafor would play in the squad, given his versatility among the front three. However, it has been a difficult season for him, and a journalist has claimed he has not yet integrated into the squad.

When Okafor joined Milan, the expectations were not for him to instantly come into the starting eleven and play every game far from it. The Swiss forward had limited expectations, given the seniors in his preferred positions are Rafael Leao and Olivier Giroud.

However, when he has been offered chances, he has often taken them, providing huge goals in key moments, such as the goal in Udine late on in January and the late equaliser against Sassuolo last month.

Peppe Di Stefano spoke to Sky to evaluate how this summer mercato may go, and his words have been relayed by Radio Rossonera.

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“Last year was a market of revolution with 9 operations, including the return of Gabbia. Four players responded positively by playing more than 75% of the matches as starters: Reijnders, Pulisic, Gabbia and Loftus-Cheek.

“Three were below 50%: Musah, Chukwueze and Jovic. Two, on the other hand, played very little: Terracciano did not even play a match as a starter, but that was known given his young age. Somewhat surprising is Okafor. The numbers show how he has not integrated into the connective tissue of the team.

“Three pillars will be needed next summer. Net of disposals, if any, we will need a central defender, Kjaer will leave. Then a central midfielder of depth and quality. And above all, I think it will be the principal blow, Milan will need a new number 9. Olivier Giroud will leave, and the names have been many for months: Milan is following Zirkzee, Sesko [who the club have made made their primary target], and Guirassy.

“The economic availability will have to be understood here. We can talk about anything we want, about the technical characteristics, but it will be necessary to understand what kind of treasure Milan will have or if this will depend on any disposals. We will only understand this when the management makes it clear in the coming weeks during the pre-and post-match interviews what kind of market we will see and what kind of economic investment will be made by Cardinale’s second Milan.

“In this, his second summer market, there can be no more mistakes.”