Leeds now in talks to sign “terrifying” £40m striker, he’s bad news for Calvert-Lewin…

Leeds is currently negotiating to acquire a “terrifying” striker valued at £40m, which poses a challenge for Calvert-Lewin.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin, the centre-forward for Leeds United, was regarded as one of the top signings in the Premier League last year following his transfer from Everton.

The Toffees decided to let the England international go on a free transfer, allowing the Whites to seize the opportunity to sign him without incurring a transfer fee.

During the 2024/25 season, he managed to score only three goals from 6.75 xG in 26 top-flight appearances with Everton, making Leeds’ decision to recruit him as their primary striker seem precarious at that moment.

However, the seasoned forward silenced his critics by netting 14 goals in 30 starts for Daniel Farke’s team, nearly achieving a goal in every other match.

Calvert-Lewin’s contributions were instrumental in securing a 14th-place finish for the West Yorkshire club, helping them avoid immediate relegation back to the Championship.

Leeds is now pursuing a Serie A striker.

The 29-year-old forward concluded the season as the club’s leading scorer and was the only player in the squad to reach double figures in goals during the Premier League.

Currently, the West Yorkshire club is eyeing a player who could potentially arrive at Elland Road to significantly compete with Calvert-Lewin for a starting position.

As reported by TuttoSport, via Sport Witness, Leeds United is among the clubs vying to sign Juventus centre-forward Lois Openda during the summer transfer window.

The report indicates that the Whites are in discussions with the Old Lady and have requested extensive information regarding the striker as they consider a move to bring him to England.

Additionally, it mentions that the Italian club, which is set to finalize a £40m deal to acquire him from RB Leipzig this week, is amenable to the idea of sending him out on an initial loan rather than a permanent transfer.

TuttoSport reports that Leeds is currently the most probable destination for the Belgium international, who spent the 2025/26 season on loan at Juventus.

What Leeds’ interest in Lois Openda signifies for Dominic Calvert-Lewin

With all due respect to Lukas Nmecha, who netted six goals in 31 Premier League appearances, Calvert-Lewin was undoubtedly the primary centre-forward for Farke last season.

However, the addition of Openda may cause the England international to feel anxious about his role in the squad, as the Juventus forward has the potential to enhance Leeds’ attacking options.

Although he managed only two goals in all competitions for the Italian club, it is important to note that he started just six league matches. His performance record before joining Juventus indicates that his difficulties in Serie A are likely just a temporary setback.

Openda has scored 21 or more goals in three of the last four seasons and has achieved 13 or more goals for five consecutive seasons, while Calvert-Lewin has gone four years without reaching double figures for Everton.

The Belgian talent, described as “terrifying” by European football journalist Seb Stafford-Bloor, netted 21 goals in Ligue 1 for Lens during the 2022/23 season and followed that with 24 goals in the Bundesliga for Leipzig the next year.

Aside from his stint in Turin, the 26-year-old has consistently demonstrated his ability to be a highly effective and reliable goalscorer across various top European leagues, making him a potentially thrilling acquisition for Leeds.

On the other hand, Calvert-Lewin’s career statistics raise some concerns, as the Whites might worry he could revert to his previous form and struggle to find the net next season after a strong start in his first year.

If both strikers perform at their ‘average’ levels from the past five seasons next season, Openda would likely provide greater value to Farke’s team than the English forward, which is why Calvert-Lewin should be apprehensive about this development.

The presence of both players competing for a starting role would be excellent for Leeds, as it would enhance competition and offer the German manager two outstanding options for the number nine position.