(Credit: Imago)

Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Fri 8 May 2026 20:30, UK

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Leeds United remain favourites to secure the signing of Juventus striker Lois Openda this summer, despite Coventry City joining the race, sources have told Football Insider.

The Whites are better placed to complete what will likely be a “very expensive” deal this summer, with a loan-to-buy agreement currently their preferred route forward.

Juventus are looking to offload the 26-year-old, and sources have indicated that Leeds are prepared to make a significant financial commitment and hand “big wages” to the former RB Leipzig man.

Daniel Farke’s side are within touching distance of Premier League survival, and that is set to keep them ahead of the newly-promoted Sky Blues in the race to land Openda.

Leeds’ transfer plans have seen a new striker identified as a top priority in recent months, and they are determined to get a move for Openda over the line.

Leeds keen to take advantage of Juventus intent to sell Lois Openda

Openda arrived at Juventus with big expectations when they signed him on loan from RB Leipzig last summer, but he hasn’t lived up to those at all so far.

The Belgian’s move to Turin is about to become permanent as part of a pre-agreed clause, with the Italian giants set to shell out a fee in the region of £35milllion.

However, Luciano Spalletti and Co. have already decided that they want to try to move the frontman on immediately ahead of next season, after he has scored just once in Serie A all season.

Openda has been a far cry from the player who notched 41 goals and 14 assists across 90 appearances during his two years with Leipzig, and that has left his future at Juventus uncertain as a result.

Leeds are keen to swoop in and take advantage of that this summer, as they look to provide goalscoring support for Dominic Calvert-Lewin at the top of the pitch.

Coventry are also showing a strong interest, but it is clear that they are firmly behind the West Yorkshire side in the pecking order at the moment.

How much would the Whites have to pay for Openda this summer?

Football Insider revealed back in April that Leeds are hoping for a reduced price on Openda this summer as part of a potential loan-to-buy swoop.

Juventus are holding out to try to recoup as much of their £35m outlay as possible for the striker, but the Whites have made it clear that they are not willing to go that high with their efforts.

They are also hoping to delay the option of a purchase until later down the line, as they are looking to spread their budget across multiple new additions ahead of next term.

It remains to be seen whether Juventus will play ball with them in that regard, but the Italians are adamant that they are ready to find a solution for Openda this summer.