Leeds United target Lois Openda playing for Belgium
Leeds United target Lois Openda playing for Belgium
Lois Openda has struggled at Juventus and the forward is now attracting attention from Leeds United.
The Belgian’s transfer has gone on to be one of the worst in recent Old Lady history. He joined initially on loan from RB Leipzig on deadline day but Juve had an obligation to buy which would be triggered if they finished inside the top ten.
With that condition now guaranteed, the striker is a Bianconeri player on a permanent basis. They will pay the German side a fee of €40m, with a loan fee of about €3m already paid.
Performance wise, Openda has just one Serie A goal. Under Luciano Spalletti, he has been left on the bench in each of the last five league games.
As a result, Juve are already considering his exit. Previously, Sport Witness have covered Premier League interest in the forward.
Despite, and maybe because of, his stock falling, Leeds United can bring him to England.
Leeds United survival will dictate move
Calciomercato IT report that the 26-year-old is out of Juve’s plans already. This is clear from Spalletti leaving him on the bench over the last month or so.
As of now, a permanent sale appears difficult due to how things are deteriorating for the striker. Juve know that and would be open to an initial loan with an option or obligation to buy.
Leeds United are on his trail and can make a move for him early in the summer transfer window.
A deal would hinge on their survival in the top-flight. The report also hints at the Whites’ good relationship with Juve, as the clubs have dealt over a loan for Weston McKennie in the past.
The outlet believe only a ‘crazy’ club would invest €30m in Openda right now. But if Leeds United can offer that, a deal could be done quickly.
Our take: Whites’ move poses risk
Since his last season at Leipzig, Lois Openda’s stock has dropped. There was a time when he was scoring over 20 goals in the Bundesliga. In the 2024/25 campaign, his numbers dropped and things are much worse now.
While Leeds United can offer him a rescue, there is no certainty that things can change.
On one hand, he has been let down by Juve’s instability. At the same time, his numbers from last season are also alarming.
That is why the Whites’ should only go with an initial loan deal. It will help them assess the player’s performances in England before they commit to anything.