Leeds open talks to sign £30m striker

Before a ball was kicked in the 2025/26 Premier League campaign, many pundits were fearing for Leeds United after their failure to spend big on a new centre-forward.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha were the only two attacking reinforcements made by the hierarchy, with both joining the Whites on a free transfer.

However, despite the concerns of the media, the aforementioned pair have starred for Daniel Farke’s men this term, as seen by their tally of 19 combined top-flight goals to date.

Both have played a key role in the club’s ability to secure survival with three games to go – something which was an unthinkable dream a couple of months ago.

Despite the impact of Calvert-Lewin and Nmecha this campaign, the hierarchy appear to be making moves in the transfer market ahead of the upcoming window.

Leeds enter talks to sign £30m talisman this summer

In recent weeks, Leeds have been linked with a plethora of attacking talent, with Juventus star Loïs Openda just one player who’s emerged on their radar.

The Belgian international, who’s set to join the Italian outfit permanently this summer, could be available on a potential loan deal after struggling to meet expectations in Turin.

A loan to buy could also be on the cards for Farke’s men, but it remains to be seen if the player himself would be open to a switch to the Premier League this summer.

Despite the interest in Openda at present, other options are still being considered by the hierarchy, with Chelsea star Liam Delap another forward admired by staff at Elland Road.

According to journalist Simon Phillips, via TEAMtalk, Leeds have been in talks with the player’s representatives over the possibility of a move to Yorkshire when the summer window opens.

The report also states that the Blues would sanction a sale if an acceptable offer was made, just 12 months after he joined the club from Ipswich Town for £30m. The west London side would be keen to recoup that fee, if they were to sanction an exit.

However, Farke’s men aren’t alone in the hunt at present, with fellow English sides Newcastle United and Everton also keeping tabs on the 23-year-old’s progress.

Why Delap would be a better signing than Openda for Leeds

The interest in Openda highlights the ambition of the Leeds hierarchy, with the board undoubtedly looking to take the club to the next level after securing survival.

Whilst the Belgian has struggled to live up to expectations in Italy, he’s previously shown his quality during his time in the Bundesliga with RB Leipzig.

The 26-year-old previously found the back of the net 28 times across all competitions during the 2023/24 campaign, with 24 of his efforts coming in Germany’s top division.

He’s since been unable to get near such a tally, with the forward only netting two goals in his 37 times after his transfer to join the Old Lady during last summer’s window.

Openda would no doubt be a solid addition for the Whites this summer, but a move for Delap would see the club land a star who’s perfect for Farke’s current two-striker system.

The Englishman is also a proven option in the Premier League, with the 23-year-old scoring 12 times in his 37 league outings for Ipswich last campaign.

Whilst his spell at Chelsea this term has also failed to ignite, just like Openda at Juventus, but his target man skillset is undoubtedly more suited to the Whites’ system than the Belgian.

Delap may not have the goals to go alongside his quality this term, but his underlying stats demonstrate why he’s perfect for Leeds during the upcoming window.

The 23-year-old has completed 77% of his dribbles and managed to win 2.1 aerial battles per 90 – leading to talent scout Jacek Kulig dubbing him as “phenomenal”.

Such numbers would make him the perfect all-round option at the top of the pitch, with his goalscoring ability undoubtedly returning as his confidence on the pitch does.

Despite registering just one league goal this campaign, Delap has registered a 31% shot on target accuracy whilst also notching 1.1 shots on target per 90.

Both numbers showcase that he’s still been able to impress within attacking areas, but that he’s often been unlucky when chances have fallen in his direction.

Other tallies, such as 1.6 fouls won per 90 and 5.6 touches in the opposition box per 90, further highlight his all-round quality – which could see him make a bigger impact than Openda in Yorkshire.

Whilst it’s unclear how much the Blues would demand for his signature, a deal for Delap could certainly take the Whites to the next level in 2026/27.

Openda’s lack of experience in England’s top-flight would undoubtedly make him a risky addition – something which cannot be afforded given the unforgiving nature of the Premier League.

The Chelsea star may not be many fans’ first choice to improve the attacking department, but his previous record in providing the goods in England’s top-flight is there for all to see.