Fulham are now serious contenders to sign Juventus striker Lois Openda, following Raul Jimenez’s move to Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The Cottagers need to sign a new centre-forward this summer, with Jimenez returning to Molineux, and they recently made an approach to sign AS Monaco star Folarin Balogun, but Openda is now in the frame as an alternative option.
The 26-year-old didn’t enjoy the greatest of 2025-26 campaigns, scoring just one Serie A goal for Juventus, but his goal and assist return during spells with RB Leipzig, RC Lens and Vitesse Arnhem offers a lot more encouragement.
|
Lois Openda’s attacking record |
Appearances |
Goals |
Assists |
|
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 heights expected of him in Italy, despite costing Juventus £40m, he could be capable of making an impact in the Premier League, having been lauded as “incredible” by scout Antonio Mango during his time at RB Leipzig.
Back in May, it was revealed the Juventus centre-forward wanted to sign for Leeds, but two other Premier League clubs have now emerged as potential suitors.
Fulham storm into the race for Lois Openda
According to a report from Jeunes Footeux, Fulham are now serious contenders to sign Openda, but Everton have also stepped up their interest, alongside Lyon, so there could be fierce competition for his signature.
The two English sides are capable of making larger bids and offering better wages, which could give them the edge, with Juventus willing to sit back and let a bidding war take place.
|
Who needs to sign Lois Openda the most? |
|
|---|---|
|
Fulham |
Fulham have lost Jimenez, who scored nine Premier League goals this season, and thus far former loanee Jonah Kusi-Asare has been their only attacking signing, but the former Bayern Munich remains inexperienced at just 19. As such, the Cottagers could do with bringing in a striker with experience in a major European league, and Openda fits the bill, given his exploits in the Bundesliga. |
|
Everton |
Tyrique George has been the only addition to David Moyes’ forward line this summer, but the former Chelsea man usually plays out wide. The Toffees may need to sign an out-and-out striker, given that Thierno Barry didn’t exactly set the world alight during his debut campaign at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, scoring just eight goals in 41 matches across all competitions. |
|
Leeds United |
Leeds are arguably less in need of a striker, given the impact Dominic Calvert-Lewin made last season. The former Everton star scored 14 goals in 35 Premier League games to help fire Daniel Farke’s side to safety, and he remains under contract for two more years. Back-up option Lukas Nmecha also chipped in when required, netting six top flight goals. |
Shahid Khan & co also remain keen on improving the midfield this summer, and there has been a significant update on 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.
