Everton “have the budget to buy Lois Openda” this summer and could do battle with Coventry City for the Belgian forward.
Bianconera News cover comments from pundit Malù Mpasinkatu today, he believes that Everton or Coventry could easily afford the 26-year-old.
€42.75m move didn’t work out
Lois Openda could be on the sale list for Juventus this summer, with his loan spell from RB Leipzig set to become permanent for €42.75m.
The striker joined the Italian giants on loan from RB Leipzig in September last year. The deal became permanent in April thanks to an obligation clause included in the agreement between the two clubs.
The problem is that Juventus don’t want the striker long-term. He managed just one goal in 24 games in Serie A this season, featuring in just 20% of the available minutes.
Overall, he managed just two goals in 37 games in all competitions. In other words, his transfer is one that they now regret.
Several Premier League sides have already been credited with an interest, including newly promoted Coventry City. Sport Witness covered a report earlier this month stating that they had already made contact about a move.
Everton and Coventry City can afford Openda
Lois Openda playing for Belgium
Lois Openda playing for Belgium
Now Mpasinkatu is throwing Everton into the mix too. He believes that the Toffees have the finances to satisfy Juventus’ potential demands.
“Teams like Everton, mid-sized English teams with the budget to buy Openda, are out there,” he said.
“Remember, a team like Everton, or even a newly promoted team like Coventry, can spend €40 million to buy a player.
“Since he’s not competing in the World Cup, negotiations are needed. But he’s a well-known player; he’s always performed well. One bad year can’t condemn a player.
“As for David, I’m just saying that in my opinion, even if you know you’re selling, you should have let him play in the World Cup to recoup your investment.”