- Everton reportedly offered the chance to sign Juventus striker Loïs Openda
- Italian giants could sanction either a permanent deal or a loan with option to buy
- Moyes faces significant decision as Everton look to strengthen striking options
Everton know they need more goals next season. The bigger question is where they are prepared to look for them and how much they are prepared to spend.
That dilemma has come into sharper focus following reports that Juventus striker Lois Openda has been offered to the Blues on the opening day of the summer transfer window.
According to Football Insider, Everton have been presented with an opportunity to sign the Belgium international, with Juventus willing to consider either a permanent transfer or a loan deal that would become permanent. The report adds that the Serie A side would be looking for a fee in the region of £40million.
On the surface, it is the sort of transfer news that immediately grabs attention. Openda was one of Europe’s most sought-after forwards only a couple of years ago and appeared destined to establish himself among the continent’s elite.
The reality facing Everton, however, is, as ever, more complicated.
Everton need answers at centre-forward
One of the clearest lessons from last season was that Everton still require greater certainty (and more goals) up front.
Beto deserves credit for the way he responded under Moyes and showed signs that he can play an important role moving forward. Thierno Barry had flashes. Yet Everton’s recruitment team are unlikely to dismiss any viable transfer options that come their way.
If the club are serious about continuing their progress under Moyes and pushing further up the table, adding another reliable source of goals is essential.
That is what makes Openda such an interesting one.
The 26-year-old scored 21 Ligue 1 goals for Lens before netting 24 times in the Bundesliga for RB Leipzig, establishing himself as one of Europe’s most productive strikers. Pace, movement and an ability to attack space behind defenders became his trademark.
Players with that profile don’t always become available to Everton.
Risk versus reward
The obvious concern is why Juventus appear willing to move him on.
Despite arriving in Turin with a strong reputation, Openda struggled to make the impact many expected during his first season. His stock has fallen considerably over the past 12 months, and that is why a move that once looked unrealistic could now be on the table.
For Everton, this is where the real decision lies.
The Friedkin Group have made it clear they want a smarter and more focused recruitment strategy. Spending close to £40m on a player coming off a difficult campaign would represent a significant gamble, regardless of his previous record.
At the same time, transfer windows are often defined by identifying value where others see risk.
If Moyes and Everton’s recruitment team believe Openda’s struggles in Serie A were a temporary setback rather than the start of a long-term decline, they may see an opportunity to secure a striker with proven pedigree at a point when his market value is plateauing.
For now, Openda is simply the latest name linked with Everton’s search for attacking reinforcements. But unlike many transfer rumours, this one presents a bit of a dilemma.
The talent is obvious. The price is hefty. And the decision could say plenty about how Everton intend to build the next phase of Moyes’ project at the Hill Dickinson.
