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RB Leipzig has announced the signing of Loïs Openda, with the striker agreeing to a contract until 2028. The transfer fee is reported to be an initial €43 million, potentially rising to €49 million with add-ons. This makes Openda the most expensive signing in Leipzig’s history and the most expensive departure for his former club RC Lens. Additionally, Openda’s previous club, Brugge, will receive 12.5% of the transfer fee.
The transfer saga surrounding Openda demonstrates the determination of Lens to secure a higher fee for the striker. Leipzig initially offered €30 million, which was swiftly rejected by Lens. Despite Leipzig’s sporting director expressing resistance to exorbitant fees, there was a belief within the industry that Lens would succeed in their demands. Leipzig has accumulated €140 million in transfer earnings this summer, further bolstering Lens’ negotiating position.
With Openda’s arrival, Leipzig’s spending now stands at €111 million. However, the Bundesliga club is expected to earn at least €100 million in return. This represents Leipzig’s highest spending since the 2021/22 season. Among European clubs, only Paris Saint-Germain, Tottenham, Real Madrid, Al-Hilal SCF, Liverpool, and Arsenal have invested more than €100 million in new players this season.
Leipzig’s sporting director, Max Eberl, stated that the transfer fee did not exceed their set limits and emphasized that a deal had been in place since the previous week. This contradicted earlier reports from France suggesting that the transfer could be in jeopardy.
Openda’s playing style is described as dynamic and speedy, with the ability to lead counterattacks. He is not overly reliant on support from wingers and midfielders and often drives forward himself. In terms of statistics, Openda has been impressive in recent seasons, scoring 18 goals in 33 games for Vitesse in the Dutch Eredivisie in 2021/22 and 21 goals in 38 games for Lens last season.
However, there are concerns over Openda’s consistency, with notable goal droughts earlier in the season. Caroff, Transfermarkt Area Manager France, highlights that Openda did not score in September, January, and February but had a breakthrough in the spring, scoring 12 of his 21 goals starting in March. This consistency will be crucial as Openda takes the next step in Leipzig and aims to fill the void left by Christopher Nkunku’s departure.
Overall, Leipzig’s acquisition of Openda represents a significant investment and highlights the club’s ambition. The success of the transfer will depend on Openda’s ability to replicate his goal-scoring form in the Bundesliga and provide consistent performances for his new team.
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