Everton Step Up Interest in Lois Openda: £40m Juventus Striker Targeted

Everton have reportedly intensified their pursuit of Juventus striker Lois Openda, with the Serie A forward valued at around £40 million. According to Football Insider, David Moyes is keen to add attacking firepower to his Everton squad, and the Belgian international has emerged as a primary target.

Context: Everton's Attacking Struggles

Everton have endured a difficult season in front of goal, ranking among the lowest-scoring sides in the Premier League. With just 28 goals in 30 league matches, the Toffees have struggled to convert chances, a trend that Moyes is desperate to address. Openda, who has netted 12 goals in 34 appearances for Juventus this term, offers a blend of pace, power, and clinical finishing that could transform Everton's attack.

The 25-year-old joined Juventus from RB Leipzig in 2023 but has not fully settled in Turin. His time in Serie A has been mixed—while his goal return is respectable, he has often been used as a substitute, starting only 18 league games. This has fuelled speculation that he may seek a move away this summer, with Everton reportedly leading the race.

Impact: What Openda Would Bring to Goodison Park

  • Goal threat: Openda averages 0.35 goals per 90 minutes in Serie A, a rate that would make him Everton's most prolific forward this season. His movement off the shoulder of the last defender would complement the creative talents of James Garner and Dwight McNeil.
  • Tactical fit: Moyes often employs a counter-attacking 4-4-1-1 system, and Openda's blistering pace would be a lethal weapon on the break. His ability to press from the front also suits Moyes' demands for defensive work rate from his striker.
  • FPL impact: Openda is currently owned by just 2.3% of Fantasy Premier League managers. If he moves to Everton, his price tag (likely £7.0-£7.5m) and favourable fixtures (including home games against Sheffield United and Luton) could make him a differential pick for the run-in.

What's Next: Transfer Window Dynamics

The £40m fee would represent a significant outlay for Everton, who have operated under tight financial constraints in recent windows. However, the club's board have signalled a willingness to invest in the squad, particularly if they secure Premier League safety. With Juventus open to selling to balance their books, a deal could materialise quickly once the window opens. For Openda, a move to Goodison Park would offer regular first-team football and a platform to re-establish himself as one of Europe's most promising forwards. Everton fans will be hoping Moyes can finally land the goal-scorer they have craved since Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak form in 2020-21.

Filed under: Transfer Rumours | LA Premier League Home