Manchester United may pursue Lois Openda in the summer of 2024, with RB Leipzig unwilling to sell in January.
According to Football Insider, Manchester United might make a concerted effort to sign Lois Openda in the summer of 2024. The Red Devils, alongside many other top Premier League sides, held an interest in the Belgian striker. But Bundesliga club RB Leipzig do not wish to sell in January.
RB Leipzig have not had the best start to their season, with the Bundesliga giants already five points behind leaders Bayer Leverkusen. Yet, there is hope for revival with UEFA Champions League qualification being their priority objective for the season.
Leipzig certainly have lofty ambitions for the current campaign. But they may lost many key players during the summer. The club have reinforced well, but the departures of Dominik Szoboszlai, Christopher Nkunku and Josko Gvardiol might have depleted their ranks too much.
Yet, they signed exciting forward Lois Openda by paying a club-record €43 million initial fee to Lens to secure him. The Belgian has already repaid the faith by scoring five times in eleven appearances for Leipzig this season, and the club are planning to build the future around him.
While it’s only been a few months since Openda arrived in Germany, English clubs have already started to circle for his signature. Arsenal are reportedly keen, while Chelsea and Manchester United are also interested in the striker.
Leipzig are not keen on selling Openda in January, as they will feel the need to keep him at least until the summer. Even then, the Bundesliga giants will have the power to decide on a sale or keep the forward, as he could prove pivotal in them making it into next season’s Champions League.
With that in mind, Manchester United are now keen to pursue a deal next summer, with Erik ten Hag keen on signing a new forward then. The Red Devils have plenty of issues in their forward line, ranging from issues with their two controversial wingers and an out-of-form Marcus Rashford.
Rasmus Hojlund has brought about some positivity since his arrival. But ten Hag will feel the need to add quality players. Openda likes to play in the centre-forward role, but the manager can find a place for him in the team either on the wings or to play alongside their expensive Danish striker.
In any case, Manchester United or any other side vying for Openda next summer will have to pay a massive fee to tempt Leipzig. The Bundesliga side will want a major profit over their investment in the €43 million striker and will play hardball getting their money from Premier League sides.
