SPORTSWORLD.AM
In recent days, Inter have identified Leipzig's Loy Openda as one of their main targets to strengthen their attack, reports Corriere dello Sport.
The Belgian of Moroccan origin wants to play in the Champions League and is ready to leave Leipzig. He is open to a move to Inter and is waiting for an offer from the club.
A mini-revolution has begun in Leipzig: after years of great success, the club is striving to return to the development of young players who are less prepared than the star newcomers of recent years (Sheshko, Luceba, Openda, Simons and others). Therefore, the management is ready to listen to some player proposals. The Belgian's contract is long-term - it is valid until June 30, 2028.
Negotiations with Red Bull Group are never easy, but the asking price for the former Lens player is not out of reach. According to the source, offers will start at 35 million euros.
The player and his entourage are in direct contact with the mediators who are negotiating with the Inter management. President Beppe Marotta, sporting director Piero Ausilio and his deputy Dario Baccin are working in several directions, but are ready to guarantee the player, in addition to the opportunity to play in the Champions League, a higher salary than the current 3 million euros (including bonuses) that he receives in Germany.
Openda was born in 2000 and joined Leipzig in the summer of 2023 for €38m after successful spells at Lens and Vitesse. He has scored just 13 goals this season, a mix of ups and downs, compared to 28 last term. A quick, agile second striker with excellent dribbling skills, he also enjoys connecting with his teammates, as evidenced by his 11 assists this term.