Liverpool’s number nine was something of a problem for them throughout the 2024-25 season.
Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota failed to live up to the previous standards they’d set, which led to Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz being used as the focal points of Arne Slot’s attack.
Indeed, this did end up working out as both attackers managed to contribute 25 goals each last term, but they are much better suited to their natural position of left wing.
This is why strikers such as Viktor Gyokeres and Hugo Ekitike have been linked with Anfield switches as the summer transfer window gets fully underway.
Hugo Ekitike pictured celbrating for Eintracht Frankfurt after scoring a goal.
Photo by KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP via Getty Images
But, seeing as though most other teams also want a consistent number nine, the market is fairly inflated, so the Anfield outfit may have to start thinking outside of the box in order to get their target.
Lois Openda is ready for a new challenge away from RB Leipzig
One striker Liverpool haven’t been linked with this summer is Lois Openda.
There was certainly some interest in Openda before his move to RB Leipzig, but since then, things have gone quiet.
As mentioned, the Belgian international currently plies his trade in the Bundesliga, and as per a report from journalist Sacha Tavolieri, it seems like Openda is ‘ready’ to explore pastures new.
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“Loïs Openda now open to leave RB Leipzig! The Belgian striker feels like he’s ready for a new challenge,” he wrote via his personal X account.
“Rasenballsport Leipzig asked for €60M in order to make a transfer to happen.
“Wait&See…”
🚨🇧🇪 Loïs Openda now open to leave RB Leipzig! The Belgian striker feels like he’s ready for a new challenge.
🇩🇪 Rasenballsport Leipzig asked for €60M in order to make a transfer to happen.
⏳ Wait&See… #mercato #RBL #DiablesRouges pic.twitter.com/9gb3UN1ps4
— Sacha Tavolieri (@sachatavolieri) June 13, 2025
View Tweet
Why Lois Openda would be a good fit for Liverpool
Seeing as though Openda would be available for €60million (£51million), he’s likely to be one of the cheaper options for a number nine this summer.
Ekitike has put in similar numbers to the Belgian, but Eintracht Frankfurt want around €100million (£86million) to allow him to exit the Bundesliga outfit, which feels rather extortionate.
Openda is quick off the ball, can make his way through an opposition’s defence, and he can also drift over to the wing if needed.
He’s been in decent form for RB Leipzig this term, with the attacker contributing to 24 goals across all competitions.
Games Goals Assists
45 13 11
The 2024-25 season of Lois Openda in numbers.
Openda is also only 25 years old, which makes him an ideal candidate for Slot’s ranks, with the Dutchman seemingly trying to build a team for the future, rather than just one for now.
Indeed, only time will tell what the future has in store for Liverpool and Openda, but on the face of things, a move for the striker makes a lot of sense.