Everton have launched a move for Lois Openda after a twist in the Lyon transfer
Everton have already gained momentum in the race to sign Lois Openda from Juventus this summer.
The Toffees have already welcomed Hayden Hackney and Tyrique George, but they still have a lot of work to do before next season.
Openda is certainly an impressive target in that regard, with Lyon and Fulham joining the Merseyside club in their pursuit of the in-demand striker from Turin.
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Who should sign Lois Openda? |
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Everton |
David Moyes has already welcomed one striker in George, but he still needs a quality man. At 26 years old, Openda is. Although the Belgian has endured a disappointing campaign at Juventus, Everton must look back to his RB Leipzig form to confirm his pursuit this summer. |
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Lyon |
Those in France have always been aware of the potential hijacking of the Premier League and will be incredibly frustrated to see those fears come true. They were hoping to land a star striker who could put them in contention for the title next season, but they cannot compete financially with Everton and Fulham. |
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Fulham |
Like Everton, Fulham need a striker this summer. The Cottagers lost Raul Jimenez and Marco Silva at the end of last season and have already replaced them with Alvaro Arbeloa. Now, they are looking to replace the former with struggling Juventus striker Openda. |
Openda can lead the line and play wide, giving clubs valuable flexibility. If Everton win the race for his signature, he is likely to arrive as an outside striker following the struggles of Thierno Barry and Beto.
The former has struggled to get going at his new club and could find himself out of position if the Toffees pull off their hijacking of Lyon to sign an immediate promotion.
Everton unveil approach to sign Lois Openda
As reported by Jeunes Footeux in France and relayed by Sports Witness, Everton have now launched a move to sign Openda from Juventus.
It left Lyon on red alert, forced to watch as their 'hijacking' fears came true. Of course, the French side has been trying to make a deal for weeks but it can't be restored.
On the other hand, the Toffees are in a strong financial position to sign the player and could get one from Premier League rivals Fulham.
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Statistical comparison |
Open 24/25 |
Beto 25/26 |
Thierno Barry 25/26 |
|---|---|---|---|
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Minutes |
2,463 |
1,563 |
1,915 |
|
Goals |
9 |
9 |
8 |
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It helps |
5 |
1 |
0 |
|
XG |
9.12 |
8.8 |
8.11 |
In terms of output, it is worth looking at Openda's last season in the Bundesliga. It was then that he started every week before playing over 600 league minutes for Juventus.
The Belgian is more than just a goalscorer, he brings others into play, and that could add another dimension to Moyes' attack. Given that Juventus signed the striker in a deal worth £34m 12 months ago, however, the deal is unlikely to be cheap.
