Sources: Man United could still sign Openda after January twist

Transfer Correspondent AUTHORITY Former Sky Sports and ESPN FC correspondent who specialises in global recruitment, contract negotiations, and high-velocity transfer breaking news. FOCUS Exclusive reporting, domestic and international transfer markets, and elite-level insights. THE INSIGHT Pete utilises a Global Network of Industry Sources to deliver verified, first-to-market reporting. His “Deep-Lens” analysis connects the dots between boardroom strategy and pitch-level recruitment, providing a level of transfer clarity that goes beyond surface-level rumours.

Published on:

11 Oct 2023, 2:30 pm

Man United could move for RB Leipzig striker Lois Openda next summer with the German club unwilling to sell in January, sources have told Football Insider.

It is believed they are keeping tabs on his progress and could launch a move for the 23-year-old at the end of the 2023-24 campaign if his impressive form continues.

Football Insider revealed on Tuesday (10 October) that RB Leizpig will not entertain January offers for Openda amid reported interest from Man United, Chelsea and Liverpool.

They have already lost key men such as Josko Gvardiol, Christopher Nkunku and Dominik Szoboszlai to Premier League clubs this year and are unwilling to weaken their side any further.

Instead, it is believed the Bundesliga outfit are planning to build their side around Openda as they target more success in Germany.

They beat off strong competition to land the Belgium international in the summer window.

He cost a reported club-record initial fee of €43million (£37.1million) after leaving Ligue 1 outfit Lens in July.

The Belgium international signed a long-term contract at the club running until June 2028.

Openda has already bagged five goals and one assist in 11 appearances in the 2023-24 campaign.

The pacey 23-year-old caught the eye of Leipzig after managing 21 goals and four assists in 42 appearances for Lens last season as they reached the Champions League group stages.

Man United signed Rasmus Hojlund for big money in the summer window - but despite netting three goals in Europe, he is yet to score in the Premier League.

The Red Devils sit 10th in the top flight after coming from behind to beat Brentford on Saturday (7 October).

In other news, Jadon Sancho update at Man United as new details emerge.

Manchester United