Fulham are now the main contenders to sign the £40m star who wanted to join Leeds
Fulham are now top contenders to sign Juventus striker Lois Openda, following Raul Jimenez’s move to Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The Cottagers need to sign a new striker this summer, with Jimenez returning to Molineux, and have recently made a move to sign AS Monaco star Folarin Balogun, but Openda is now mooted as another option.
The 26-year-old hasn’t enjoyed a stellar 2025-26 campaign, scoring just one Serie A goal for Juventus, but his goal and assist returns during spells with RB Leipzig, RC Lens and Vitesse Arnhem provide huge encouragement.
|
Lois Openda’s attack record |
Appearance |
Goals |
It helps |
|
RB Leipzig |
93 |
41 |
18 |
|
Vitesse Arnhem |
88 |
37 |
11 |
|
Club Brugge |
53 |
5 |
3 |
|
RC lens |
42 |
21 |
4 |
|
Juventus |
34 |
2 |
0 |
Although the Belgian has failed to reach the level expected of him in Italy, despite costing Juventus £40m, he could make an impact in the Premier League, having been hailed as a “miracle” by Antonio Mango during his time at RB Leipzig.
Back in May, it was revealed that the Juventus striker wanted to sign for Leeds, but two other Premier League clubs have emerged as potential suitors.
Fulham raided Lois Openda’s race
According to a report from Jeunes Footeux, Fulham are now the main contenders to sign Openda, but Everton have also stepped up their interest, along with Lyon, so there will be more competition for his signature.
The two English sides are capable of making bigger bids and offering better wages, which would give them an edge, while Juventus are willing to sit back and allow a bidding war.
|
Who needs to sign Lois Openda more? |
|
|---|---|
|
Fulham |
Fulham have lost Jimenez, who scored nine Premier League goals this season, and so far loanee Jonah Kusi-Asare has been their only attacking signing, but the former Bayern Munich man remains inexperienced at just 19. Likewise, the Cottagers could do with bringing an experienced striker to Europe’s biggest league, and Openda fits the bill, given his exploits in the Business. |
|
Everton |
Tyrique George has been the only addition to David Moyes’ starting line-up this summer, but the ex-Chelsea man is often featured. The Toffees may need to sign an outgoing striker, as Thierno Barry did not set the world alight during his debut campaign at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, scoring just eight goals in 41 appearances in all competitions. |
|
Leeds United |
Leeds arguably don’t need a striker, given the impact Dominic Calvert-Lewin made last season. The former Everton player scored 14 goals in 35 Premier League appearances to help Daniel Farke’s side stay safe, and has two more years on his contract. Backup option Lukas Nmecha also stepped in when needed, bagging six goals in the top flight. |
Shahid Khan & co are also keen to improve the midfield this summer, and there has been a significant update in their pursuit of Southampton star Shea Charles. Alvaro Arbeloa has now approved a move for the central midfielder, who is also being targeted by Leeds.
