Leipzig finally confirm Openda signing

At long last, RB Leipzig confirmed the capture of Belgian striker Loïs Openda on Friday afternoon. 

Following protracted negotiations readily soaked up by the German tabloid press throughout the summer, RB Leipzig have finally officially captured one of their top summer transfer targets. Belgian striker Loïs Openda will suit up for RB Leipzig next season. The German Red Bulls confirmed that the RC Lens forward signed a new deal in Saxony good through 2028 on Friday afternoon.

The latest on the matter of the transfer fee, according to Germany’s “Sport Bild” tabloid, holds that the Ligue 1 side will receive a base transfer fee of around €43 million. This sum can increase by an additional €6 million if certain performance-based incentives are met. Openda is by far the most expensive purchase in the young club’s history. Dominik Szoboszlai (at €36 million) held the previous record.

Germany’s Kicker Magazine actually reports that the base transfer fee, while still a record, is significantly lower. Kicker claims that Leipzig’s down payment totals €36 million. RB sporting CEO Max Eberl is quoted on article published on the magazine’s website as saying that his team “remained within the planned framework for the transfer fee”.

The 23-year-old himself described his new station as “an incredibly exciting club” and expressed his excitement at joining a side with “top aspirations” and “huge potential”. Openda also noted that RB suited his playing style “perfectly”.

Grüße von Loïs ✌️😊 pic.twitter.com/zA66srci7m

— RB Leipzig (@RBLeipzig) July 14, 2023

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