Coventry City will be looking to make a splash in the transfer market ahead of their first Premier League campaign since the 2000/01 season, but one of their targets may have their eyes set on one of their new top-flight rivals.
As exhibited over the past season, with how Leeds United and Sunderland went about their business in the summer window, having that top-flight experience can be key for Championship sides to survive in their first year back in the Premier League.
Coventry haven’t just been linked with veteran players from fellow top-five European leagues, however, as they emerged as a potential destination for Belgian frontman Loïs Openda to revitalise his career.
In 2023/24, the 26-year-old finished third in the Golden Boot race in the Bundesliga, but he’s had a few disappointing campaigns in the last two seasons, especially this year, as his reported €40 million move to Italian giants Juventus has resulted in just two goals in 34 appearances in all competitions.
Less than a year on from arriving at the Allianz Stadium, he’s set to be on the move once more, but it seems like Coventry are losing the race to bring him in.
Leeds United emerge as front-runners for Loïs Openda deal this summer
According to TEAMtalk, Leeds are looking to make a splash this summer by signing Openda, as they look to build on a successful first season back in the top flight.
The report states that the Belgian is open to the move, as the Whites are prepared to offer him a “significant” salary to tempt him over to Elland Road.
This could all change once more, but, unfortunately, it would push Coventry even further down the pecking order, as if a side with European football next season approaches him, he’d more likely accept that offer.
Bournemouth has been mooted as another potential destination, especially with former RB Leipzig boss Marco Rose set to take the reins next season at the Vitality Stadium. A return to former club Lens could be on the cards, too, but it’s said that Openda is focused on a Premier League switch.
Either way, it represents bad news for the Sky Blues, who had made initial contact with Openda and Juventus for a potential loan-to-buy deal.
Whether it be Leeds or elsewhere, it looks like Coventry may be missing out on bringing in the Belgian marksman.
Coventry City will hope to have dodged a bullet if Lois Openda signs for Leeds United
Ultimately, whoever lands Openda this summer will be taking a bit of a risk, hoping that the 26-year-old can return to his free-scoring ways that he showed in his final years at Lens and his first campaign at RB Leipzig.
Do you think that Loïs Openda can return to form in the Premier League? Let us know in the comments.
If he does, then he could be the difference maker for a team like Leeds, who will still be expected to just fight against relegation next season, with the hopes of establishing themselves more as a mid-table side in the near future.
If he doesn’t, and his form continues from his last two seasons, where he’s scored just 15 goals in 82 outings across campaigns in Germany and Italy, then he would represent a massive waste of money, which Coventry really can’t afford in their quest to stay up.
This transfer window has to be near-perfect for the Sky Blues, and perhaps bringing in a few different stars who they know will do a job for them for the same combined amount may be the better option for Frank Lampard this summer.