Manchester United target Lois Openda is ‘playing towards a move’ to a big club next summer, even if RB Leipzig are likely to resist any efforts.
That’s according to SportBILD, who say the Belgian striker is drawing attention around Europe after his performances since arriving in the summer.
Manchester United have already been linked with a move in recent weeks, with it claimed that they have requested details about the striker ahead of a potential move next year.
SportBILD don’t mention them specifically but do cover the situation around the player and explain that Openda has a release clause in his contract, but that only comes into effect in 2025.
At that point it will be valued at €85m so before then a transfer deal is would be ‘freely negotiable’ next summer.
Leipzig are resistant to that and have put a ‘ban’ on any exit until 2025 as it would allow them to secure a bigger profit after amortising the fee they paid this summer.
There is a need for money at the club, though, with their spending this summer meaning they now need to bring in €250m from sales to help balance the books.
That means any deal for Openda, especially close or worth that €85m figure in his release clause, could be warmly welcomed regardless.
Whether Manchester United would ever pay such a figure isn’t known and remains to be seen, particularly after they paid big to sign Rasmus Hojlund this year, but it’s a situation to keep an eye on in the build up to next summer, nonetheless.
