The search for a striker continues this week at Leeds United with interest in Rodrigo Muniz seemingly cooling and Roma’s Artem Dovbyk a contender – but Leeds can get revenge on Sunderland.
Immediately after the signing of Lukas Nmecha, Leeds’ first signing of the summer, it was reported that Leeds were planning on bringing in a starting striker. More than a month on, and Leeds are yet to do that.
Leeds have bid £32m for Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz, which was rejected. Interest from Leeds remains but Newcastle have now opened talks over a possible £40m deal. Leeds are also in talks for Roma’s Dovbyk.
Initially a £35m target, Roma are said to be willing to accept £22m for Dovbyk. Another theme of the summer window has been Sunderland signing players that are on Leeds’ radar, with a fourth set to join.
Leeds should consider rivalling Sunderland for Loic Openda
Marc Guiu’s imminent arrival at Sunderland will be the fourth time Sunderland have signed a player on Leeds’ list. Habib Diarra was the subject of a £22m Leeds bid, and Noah Sadiki confirmed Leeds’ offer.
Leeds and Sunderland both held talks for Reinildo Mandava before he moved to Wearside. Now, Guiu is set to join that list. Sunderland are not done there. Florian Plettenberg says they want Loic Openda.
The Belgium international joined Leipzig in 2023 and has since gone on to score 41 goals in 90 games for the Belgian side, laying on 18 assists. But his future is in doubt and Sunderland are eyeing the £40m man.
But with Sunderland signing Guiu, Leeds should consider exacting revenge and blow Sunderland out of the water for a striker that is yet to play in the Premier League, but whose numbers suggest he would star.
Leeds United wanted Loic Openda before relegation in 2023
Still at Lens, prior to his move to Leipzig, Leeds were actually in the running for Openda. The links came about in April 2023, a few weeks before the club confirmed the departure of sporting director Victor Orta.
But instead, he joined Leipzig where he has been excellent despite largely playing in Benjamin Sesko’s shadow. With Sesko likely to leave this summer, Openda might choose to stay and become the main man.
However, if Openda wants a move, Leeds should reignite their interest from over two years ago and make a move for a striker that has some very impressive numbers. It is unclear how much Openda would cost.
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