French outlet Foot Mercato claim that Leeds United are one of a number of clubs from around Europe considering a move to sign RC Lens striker Lois Openda this summer – as he continues to shine in the top tier of French football.
Openda, 23, joined Ligue 1 side Lens last summer from Club Brugge. It comes after a two-year loan spell at Vitesse Arnhem in the Eredivisie, in which he has scored 37 goals in 88. He’s netted 15 goals in 35 games for Lens in 22-23.
Such form has seen him earn eight senior caps for Belgium, in which he has scored two goals. Opends has been a crucial part of Lens sitting third in the Ligue 1 table, in with a chance of achieving Champions League qualification.
FM report that Openda is attracting suitors despite only joining Lens last summer. Leeds are named as a possible suitor – as one of a number of English clubs. Monaco, Marseille, Inter Milan, Frankfurt and others are also interested.
Leeds one of a number of clubs considering Lens striker Lois Openda
The report states that a fee of £26.5million or more would see Lens consider selling Openda. But the ball is very much in Lens park, with his contract ending in June 2027. He might want to stay at Lens at the end of the season.
Especially, if Lens achieve Champions league qualification. They are only a point behind second-placed Marseille right now – eight behind leaders PSG. But the lure of a big Italian club, or a move to the Premier League is tempting.
His attacking teammate Adrien Thomasson has told Ligue 1’s website that Openda’s speed is a “real weapon”. A move to Leeds will obviously hinge on the club remaining in the Premier League. Relegation, and there is no chance.
