Sky Sports has exclusively revealed Manchester United’s interest in RB Leipzig’s Lois Openda, indicating a potential move for the forward. Erik ten Hag aims to bolster the team’s attack, especially with Anthony Martial’s contract set to expire, signaling his departure from the club next summer.
Openda emerges as a primary target in discussions about new recruits, particularly to complement the summer signing Rasmus Hojlund. The Belgian international has been excelling for RB Leipzig, impressing with stellar performances in the Champions League, which caught the attention of Manchester United representatives present at his matches.
Ten Hag, familiar and an admirer of the 23-year-old striker, has engaged with his recruitment team regarding the addition of a forward, with Openda’s name recurring frequently. Key figures within the club favor the arrival of a quality forward, aligning with Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s desire to make impactful signings in the upcoming transfer windows. Openda seems to fit the criteria.
Despite Leipzig’s reluctance to sell their recent £30 million acquisition from Lens, sources affirm that a deal in the January transfer window is highly improbable. However, European giants have shown increasing interest in Openda, and a significant move in the summer appears likely if he sustains his impressive form, propelling Leipzig into the Bundesliga top four and the Champions League knockout rounds.
Openda’s contract includes a release clause of around £70 million, effective from the summer of 2025. Consequently, any attempt to secure his services before that date would necessitate a substantial fee, considering Leipzig’s desire to maximize their asset’s value.
Manchester United might face a hefty fee to secure Openda’s signature promptly, given the attention he has garnered from the world’s top clubs. Sources note that Manchester City’s manager, Pep Guardiola, was notably impressed by Openda’s performance during a high-scoring encounter earlier this season at the Etihad Stadium.