French outlet Jeunes Footeux say RC Lens striker Lois Openda is keen to stay at his current side this summer amid reports that Leeds United are one of a number of sides to show interest in the Belgian – who is in the form of his life.
Openda, 23, earned a move to one of Europe’s top-five leagues last summer after starring for Dutch side Vitesse Arnhem during a two-year loan from Club Brugge. He completed a move to Ligue 1 side Lens, and has been superb.
Lens sit in a lofty third place, just a point behind second-placed Marseille and eight behind PSG – with Champions League football a real possibility. Openda has been pivotal, scoring 15 goals in 35 games and earning Belgium caps.
A report from Foot Mercato this week stated that Leeds are one of a number of European heavyweights keen to land the Belgian goal machine. However, Lens would only do a deal for Openda for a fee north of a huge £26.5million.
Lens striker Openda keen to stay amid Leeds reports
Now, Jeunes Footeux have given insight into Openda’s stance on a move. They say Openda, who has a contract at Lens until the summer of 2027 is keen to stay – because he feels he is a big fish in Lens’ pond at the moment.
Not only that, but because Lens are about to embark on European football in some degree, and he wants to see that materialise with his current side. That is despite the likes of Marseille, Monaco, Inter, Leeds and Frankfurt all keen.
One boost for Leeds in the race to land Openda, though, is that Jeunes Footeux rule out a move to Marseille. That is because Marcelo Bielsa’s old side cannot afford him – having spent around £30m to sign Vitinha from Braga.
