Leeds United have quietly built a squad where personal relationships and shared experiences are becoming just as important as tactics and technical ability. Under Daniel Farke, the dressing room culture has shifted towards unity, trust, and familiarity — something the club believe can provide an edge during the long and unforgiving Championship season.
There are already several clear examples of this within the current group. Joe Rodon and Ethan Ampadu have been inseparable since arriving at Elland Road in the summer of 2023. Their partnership has extended beyond club football, with the pair continuing to represent Wales together, forming a solid spine that Leeds have increasingly relied upon in high-pressure moments.
Brenden Aaronson and Willy Gnonto are another example. Despite coming from very different footballing backgrounds, the pair developed a strong bond early on, and Gnonto was open about how much he missed Aaronson during the American’s loan spell at Union Berlin. That sense of connection has helped Leeds retain a tight-knit core even as players have come and gone.
Now, Leeds United’s recruitment team appear to be exploring another move that leans heavily into that same philosophy — one that could see Noah Okafor reunited with one of his closest friends in football, Ruben Vargas, in what would be one of the most eye-catching transfers of the January window.
Leeds United line up £17m bid for Sevilla winger
According to respected Sevillian outlet OrgulloBiri, Leeds are preparing a £17 million bid for Sevilla’s No.11, Ruben Vargas, with the winter transfer window set to open on January 1. The 25-year-old Switzerland international is viewed internally as a player capable of adding pace, directness, and versatility to Farke’s attacking options.
Vargas can operate on either flank or through the middle, offering Leeds tactical flexibility at a time when the club are looking to turn territorial dominance into consistent goals. With promotion firmly the objective, Leeds’ hierarchy understand that January recruitment could be decisive in shaping the remainder of the season.
While Vargas’ individual quality makes him an appealing target in his own right, the potential knock-on effect of the deal is what has truly caught the attention of supporters — his close friendship with summer signing Noah Okafor.
A friendship forged through Switzerland
Vargas and Okafor’s relationship has been built over years in the Switzerland national setup, where the pair have often been roomed together and deployed in tandem. Their bond is not a superficial one, but a genuine friendship that extends far beyond matchdays.
Speaking to Blue Sport in November 2022, Vargas offered a candid glimpse into that relationship, explaining just how close the pair are away from football.
“I get along well with everyone in the Switzerland camp,” Vargas said. “I’m closest to Noah Okafor. When I can, I spend a lot of time with him because he’s not too far away from me.
“We meet up in Munich because it’s close to where we live. He’s a very good teammate.
“I hope we play together. That would be our greatest wish, but if it doesn’t happen, it doesn’t happen. We will always support each other, no matter what.”
At the time, those comments felt like little more than a passing reflection on international camaraderie. Now, they read almost like a prophecy as Leeds attempt to engineer a reunion that could benefit both players — and potentially the club’s promotion push.
Why Leeds believe the move makes sense
Okafor’s arrival at Leeds in August, following an £18m move from AC Milan, was seen as a statement of intent. The Swiss forward brought Champions League pedigree, pace, and an eye for goal, but adapting to English football — particularly the Championship — is notoriously difficult.
Despite flashes of brilliance, Okafor has endured spells of inconsistency, something that is hardly surprising given the physical demands and relentless schedule of the league. Leeds believe that surrounding him with familiar faces could help unlock a more consistent version of the player they invested so heavily in.
Bringing Vargas to Elland Road would give Okafor an immediate ally in the dressing room — someone who understands his personality, his movement, and his tendencies on the pitch. For a player still finding his feet in a new country, that comfort could prove invaluable.
The same logic applies to Vargas himself. A move from La Liga to the Championship would represent a major shift, but arriving alongside a trusted friend could ease the transition significantly.
The awkward on-pitch reality Daniel Farke must solve
Yet for all the optimism surrounding the reunion, there is a statistical concern that cannot be ignored.
Despite featuring together regularly for Switzerland, Okafor and Vargas have never combined for a goal in 13 appearances. These were not brief substitute cameos either — the pair shared 594 minutes on the pitch, often playing as the two most advanced attackers in a 3-5-2 system.
On paper, that lack of tangible output raises questions about how naturally the duo complement each other in competitive matches. It suggests that while the chemistry off the pitch is strong, translating that into end product has proven more difficult.
This is where Daniel Farke’s role becomes crucial. The Leeds head coach will need to find a system that allows both players to thrive without stepping on each other’s toes. That may mean adjusting roles, altering pressing triggers, or redefining where each player receives the ball.
Former Leeds defender Tony Dorigo has already spoken positively about Okafor’s talent and potential, but unlocking a successful partnership with Vargas would require careful planning rather than blind faith in friendship alone.
A calculated risk with high rewards
If Leeds do manage to complete this £17m deal, it will represent more than just another January signing. It would be a statement about how the club are building — prioritising cohesion, mentality, and long-term upside as much as raw numbers.
The upside is obvious. A settled, confident Okafor supported by a close friend could become a devastating force in the second half of the season. Vargas’ arrival could also add unpredictability to Leeds’ attack, giving Farke more tools to break down stubborn defences.
The risk, however, is equally clear. If the partnership fails to ignite, Leeds could find themselves with two talented players whose connection exists more in theory than in reality.
Ultimately, this is the fine line Leeds United are walking as they prepare for a defining January window. Should the reunion succeed, it may prove to be a masterstroke that pushes the club back towards the Premier League. If it doesn’t, it will serve as a reminder that even a player’s “greatest wish” still needs the right tactical framework to truly come alive.