Liverpool keeping an eye on £69m forward, but may have to wait two years to get him – journalist

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Liverpool are no doubt one of the sides keeping a watch over the progress of RB Leipzig forward Lois Openda.

Openda has been in good form since arriving in Germany from Lens in the summer. Five goals and two assists in nine games is eye-catching form from the 23-year-old.

And according to German journalist Christian Falk, it’s the kind of form that is set to attract the attention of Europe’s big-hitters. Writing in Fabrizio Romano’s Daily Briefing today, Falk claims that Openda could be one to watch for Liverpool fans.

“Leipzig are a little relaxed at the moment, as next summer there’s no active release clause for Lois Openda,” explains the journalist.

“It begins in 2025 and I heard it’s a bit higher than the €80m [£69m] that has been reported elsewhere.

“I’m sure that clubs like Liverpool will be keeping an eye on him. You’ve already seen with Dominik Szoboszlai that they’ve had a mostly positive experience with RB Leipzig players.

“It’s also worth noting the similarity in style between the two clubs, which is obviously of benefit to Liverpool.”

Liverpool keeping tabs on Openda

If a player is doing well at Leipzig – and he’s under the age of 24 or 25, then there’s a high chance Liverpool are indeed keeping tabs on him.

As Falk mentions, the Reds have done good business with the Saxons in recent years.

Not only did they bring in Szoboszlai for a reasonable looking fee, they also signed Ibrahima Konate for £35m back in 2021.

It’s still early days for the Hungarian, but both players look like being top additions for Liverpool for years to come.

At 23, Openda is already older than both Szoboszlai and Konate when they arrived. By the time the release clause kicks in, perhaps he’ll have passed that magic age that Liverpool like to shop in.

Besides, the Reds most definitely don’t need another forward just at the minute, and won’t unless Mohamed Salah leaves in the summer.

If Mo does go though, then Liverpool will have some cash to spend and a need for a replacement. Openda wouldn’t really be a direct swap for Salah, they don’t really play anything alike. But if he carries on his good form, then the Belgian may still be in the conversation.