Split image of Juventus striker Lois Openda and Leeds United forward Lukas Nmecha
Credit: Imago
Aheed Abrar
Thu 16 April 2026 19:40, UK
Lukas Nmecha could potentially be looking over his shoulder as Leeds United plan to reinforce their attack in the upcoming transfer window.
Juventus striker Lois Openda has emerged as a target at Elland Road and the Whites could make a move for the centre-forward, who could be on his way out of the Allianz Stadium.
The Belgium international joined the Serie A giants on loan from RB Leipzig last summer and the deal includes an obligation to buy for around £35million.
Openda has failed to live up to expectations in Turin and doesn’t seem to be part of Luciano Spalletti’s plans, giving the West Yorkshire outfit a possible opportunity to pursue a move.
Nmecha has turned into an Elland Road favourite after scoring some crucial goals for the Peacocks this season and the potential arrival of a new number nine shouldn’t bother him.
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Lukas Nmecha clear winner in Leeds United comparison
Openda has struggled to find form at Juventus since his move last summer and it wouldn’t make sense for Leeds to bet on him when they have Nmecha.
The German striker has scored six goals and one assist in the 25 Premier League appearances this season, recording an xG of 6.23, 0.6 shots on target per game and a goal conversion rate of 27 per cent, as per Sofascore.
Lukas Nmecha Statistics Lois Openda
25 Matches played 23
6 Goals 1
6.23 xG 3.57
6 Big chances missed 5
1.0 (35.8%) Aerial duels won per game 0.3 (29.6%)
Nmecha and Openda’s respective league stats compared, as per Sofascore
As for Openda, he has scored one goal in 23 Serie A matches, recording an xG of 3.57, 0.3 shots on target per game, missing five big chances and recording a goal conversion rate of four per cent.
While the Whites have an option like Nmecha in their ranks, who they signed for free last summer, it wouldn’t make sense to pursue the Belgium international, who will likely cost a hefty sum if he does make another move at the end of the current campaign.
Premier League football not daunting for Lukas Nmecha
Nmecha has settled into Premier League football with relative ease, something many players struggle with initially when coming from other leagues.
While Openda is a threat on the counter due to his pace, Daniel Farke has preferred a more physical approach at Leeds in the English top flight.
Number of goals scored Dominic Calvert-Lewin has scored in first 30 minutes of Premier League games this season for Leeds United
Credit: Imago
The 26-year-old Belgian ace isn’t the best in the air, winning just 0.3 aerial duels per game in Serie A this season compared to Nmecha’s one per game in the league.
Instead of pursuing another number nine who will likely be backup to Dominic Calvert-Lewin, the West Yorkshire outfit should aim to sign a quality goalscorer to reinforce their attack.