Newly promoted Premier League side, Sunderland have added Loïs Openda as one of their strikers target this summer, Softfootball reports.
The 24-year-old who is currently under contract at German side, RB Leipzig until 2028 is open to leaving the Bundesliga outfit this summer.
According to transfer journalist, Florian Plettenberg via his official X handle, says that the premier league is showing real ambitions but doubts if they can pull the deal off.
He explained:
“Sunderland have added Loïs #Openda to their shortlist for this summer transfer window.
“However, it is questionable whether RB Leipzig would be willing to let the 25 y/o striker leave as well, if they sell both Xavi Simons and Benjamin Sesko.”
Openda impressed last season with 13 goals and 11 assists in 45 appearances across all competitions for Leipzig and that has attracted interest from top European sides.
Interestingly, Leipzig are on the verge of selling Openda’s strike partner Benjamin Šeško with Manchester United and Newcastle desperate for his service. It makes it hard for Sunderland as Leipzig may not want to lose two of their most important strikers in the same summer.
However, Sunderland are prepared for the €60m fee reportedly placed on the player by Leipzig. The Black Cats’ financial situation makes the deal plausible as they received €238m in TV and promotion-related revenue.
Sunderland’s chase of Openda underlines the club’s aggressive recruitment strategy this summer under sporting director Florent Ghisolfi. The Blacks has already spent €140m in signing players like Habib Diarra, Simon Adingra, Enzo Le Fee and former Arsenal Captain Granit Xhaka.
With all these signings, Sunderland’s hope will be to avoid relegation in their first season back to the premier league. They are currently in pre-season preparing for the new season.
Sunderland will host their first match in the Premier League against West Ham United on August 16.
