With games to go, Leeds United have become one of only two promoted teams to survive their first season back in the Premier League in the last three seasons.
It’s a remarkable achievement and something Daniel Farke, who has his 3-5-2 formation set to continue for another year, must build on.
They’ve already provided survival plans, but avoiding a serious case of second-season syndrome could be an even more difficult task next season.
The big-money striker now wants to join Leeds
At this time last year, the 49ers were preparing for what could be the best summer transfer window.
The likes of Anton Stach and Dominic Calvert-Lewin have arrived and stolen the show ever since. Any concerns about the level of employment at Elland Road have finally been put to rest.
Leeds have offered a summer deal for the Burnley star as agents keep calling
Whites can sign him for cheap.
Now in their best position to attract players since the days of Marcelo Bielsa, the Yorkshiremen should flex their muscles by welcoming some impressive names this summer.
If the rumors are true, then ambition will not be a problem. According to TEAMTalk, Lois Openda now wants to join Leeds this summer and end what has been a difficult season at Juventus.
The Whites emerged as the frontrunners to sign the striker after he was loaned permanently to Juventus this summer due to a buyout obligation worth around £40m.
Whether those in Turin set the same asking price for Openda is a big question. Of course, if they do, then the 26-year-old could be Leeds’ most expensive arrival of all time.
Openda could be Farke’s new Okafor
It’s déjà vu at Elland Road. Last year, it was Noah Okafor they were playing in. The striker has struggled at AC Milan, scoring just once and starting five Serie A games.
On paper, he represented a player that Leeds needed more than they needed him.
Fast forward a year, and he played a key role in their survival – scoring eight Premier League goals, half of which came against six teams. It was a game changer.
Okafor has been so successful that Openda is determined to follow in his footsteps. The path from Serie A flop to Premier League star is clear for all to see and the Juventus striker could rediscover his RB Leipzig form in a Leeds shirt.
It was only one season ago that the Belgian was involved in 14 Bundesliga goals for Leipzig. He impressed so much that Juventus came for a big fee. That quality never evaporates and Leeds have a chance to prove it.
|
Serie A statistics |
From 24/25 |
Open 25/26 |
|---|---|---|
|
It starts |
5 |
6 |
|
Goals |
1 |
1 |
|
It helps |
0 |
0 |
|
XG |
1.55 |
3.57 |
|
Minutes |
448 |
653 |
The resemblance is less clear than that. If Leeds can get a cut-price deal with Juventus, they should push to sign Openda this summer.
Their frontline, although much improved, still needs strengthening. Farke will be the first to admit that and he could get exactly what he needs in the form of the Juventus star.
Signing another Champions League-caliber player will push the Yorkshiremen to continue their relegation battle and reach the heights Bielsa has achieved.
Leeds are holding talks to sign the £20m star who is now set to leave Sunderland
The Whites want to sign an “outstanding” player.
