Leeds given striker signing encouragement amid 'incredible' Thierry Henry claim
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Credit: Imago, Getty Images Sat 9 May 2026 7:30, UK Lois Openda is increasingly likely to leave Juventus this summer after a dismal first season in Italy with Leeds United among the teams interested.The Serie A giants agreed to sign the 26-year-old on loan with a £40million obligation to buy from RB Leipzig last summer.The obligation has already been automatically triggered despite Openda’s underwhelming return of just two goals in 37 appearances across all competitions this season.Luciano Spalletti, who replaced Igor Tudor in October and has now been confirmed as the permanent manager, has effectively frozen the forward out, handing him just four minutes of action in the last eight Serie A fixtures.Leeds transfer chiefs are reportedly considering a move for the Belgium international, who will be available on loan this summer. 🔄 Leeds United Transfer Update 🔄 Breaking news on latest signings, departures, and contract news from the Elland Road boardroom. VISIT THE LEEDS TRANSFER HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Juventus prepare to grant Lois Openda exitFootball Insider exclusively revealed last month that Leeds are keen to sign Openda in a loan-to-buy deal this summer.
The Whites are keen to add competition to their front-line, with the 26-year-old capable of appearing on the wing or through the middle.Lois OpendaStats – Serie A 2025-26 (per 90)Goals0.14Expected goals (xG)0.49Shots3.58Expected assists0.16Chances created1.1Successful dribbles0.55Duels won5.24Pass accuracy 72.8%The forward signed for RB Leipzig in 2023 in a big-money move from RC Lens, after he had netted 21 goals in Ligue 1.Openda’s goal-scoring exploits continued in the Bundesliga, with the Belgian bagging 28 across all competitions in his first season and 13 in his second. According to Tutto Mercato Web, Openda will be sold this summer, but the feeling at Juventus is that a loan exit is the best that the Italian outfit can hope for.Openda credited Thierry Henry with his developmentOpenda was an extremely dangerous forward in the Bundesliga, and the striker could well rediscover that form in the Premier League.
At least that is what the likes of Leeds are hoping, as they assess the risks behind a loan move for the forward.Openda made his debut for Belgium in 2022, scoring against Poland in the Nations League. My mother, my brother and everyone else were incredibly happy.”Leeds will hope that Openda has remembered some of those tricks to replicate some of Henry’s finest moments in the Premier League. 🚨 Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Leeds United Insider Access Get the full story from Elland Road and Thorp Arch with our dedicated expert hubs: Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of West Yorkshire.