Credit: Imago

Josh Edwards

Thu 16 April 2026 18:10, UK

Wilfried Gnonto‘s lack of gametime at Leeds United could change their stance on signing Lois Openda.

Having taken a huge step towards safety with a win at Old Trafford, Leeds are already drafting up their recruitment plans ahead of the summer window.

And towards the top of that list will be a new striker, with the Whites having been linked with a move to sign Openda.

The Belgian is set to sign for Juventus, but the Turin outfit could offload him immediately for a fee upwards of £26million.

However, Leeds’ interest in Openda should force them into looking at the current situation with Gnonto at Elland Road.

Is Lois Openda really what Leeds need?

Openda is a versatile forward who thrives when given the chance to get in behind or drive at defenders with the ball at his feet.

And that is a very similar profile to Gnonto, who has been all but frozen out by Daniel Farke in the Premier League this season.

It is worth noting that Openda is at his best in a counter-attacking side, but the lack of physicality in his game would almost certainly hinder his ability to have an immediate impact, again, just as it has with Gnonto.

Gnonto himself has been linked with an exit from Leeds, with his situation looking unlikely to change, and for the Whites to go ahead and sign a forward of a similar profile but lacking in Premier League experience would make little sense.

What do Leeds need this summer?

When Dominic Calvert-Lewin is at his best, so are Leeds.

And that should be enough of a hint.

The Whites need a physiotherapist to compete for a starting place with Calvert-Lewin, especially if their way of playing is to remain the same.

Should they achieve that, Openda may well be a fine option to add alongside it, but the Belgian should not be their priority.