Leeds United are expected to make signing a striker one of their main priorities this summer as they look to add more quality and depth to their attack ahead of the new Premier League campaign.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin was the club’s standout forward last season, scoring 14 league goals and carrying much of the responsibility in front of goal. However, Leeds did not get enough production from the rest of their striking options.
Lukas Nmecha chipped in with six league goals from 31 appearances, while Joel Piroe found opportunities hard to come by and finished the Premier League season without getting on the scoresheet.
With that in mind, Leeds are keen to bring in another forward before the window closes. Lois Openda has emerged as one of the players under serious consideration, with the club believed to be monitoring his situation closely as they search for additional firepower.
Juventus have lowered their demands for Lois Openda
Lois Openda joined Juvetus on a loan deal last summer, but an obligation to purchase meant the Serie A giants had to sign him on a permanent deal at the end of last season despite scoring just two goals.
Leeds have been tracking him, and were believed to be ready to sign the forward on a significantly expensive deal in the upcoming transfer window.
Juventus have been keen to recoup the £35m they paid for him. However, that figure has been a deterrent for a few of his suitors after a poor last season.
It would be a huge gamble for Leeds as well. However, according to Tutto Mercato, Juventus are now desperate to find a way to offload him this summer.
It has been claimed that the Serie A giants are now open to a simple loan deal to offload Openda in the ongoing transfer window.
Juventus are aware that no club would pay £35m for him and are now ready to loan him out with the hope that he would do enough to earn a permanent contract.
A loan deal makes more sense to Leeds
It would have been unusually cavalier if Leeds had agreed to pay a huge fee or agreed to an obligation to buy for a deal to sign Lois Openda this summer.
He scored just twice last season and played very little football in the second half of the campaign. Juventus’ initial demands were nothing more than foolish optimism.
A loan deal makes more sense for Leeds, who still believe that the striker can regain the form he showed in Germany and be the focal point of their attack.
However, his form last season means signing him on loan minimises the gamble, and it is a deal that is much more palatable for the Whites this summer.
He is a gamble a loan makes more sense. Leeds should be all over Juventus this month. Their lack finances are poor. They could well be other bargains to be had. Imagine if Leeds could pull off a deal for Thuran? We would have the most physical midfield in the PL