Who is Lois Openda? The Lens goal machine wanted by Leicester

Cameron Smith

• 8 Nov 2022 18:30 GMT
• 2 min read

The Club Brugge academy isn't as prodigious as other top youth set-ups in Belgium, but it's still produced both Charles De Ketelaere and Lois Openda in recent years.

While De Ketelaere is now a household name following his move to AC Milan in the summer of 2022, Openda isn't quite as well-known, despite also leaving Club Brugge in 2022.

Openda joined Lens after a successful spell in the first-team at Club Brugge and is now making strides in one of Europe's top five leagues, so who is he?

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What position does Openda play in?

Openda is a centre-forward, best operating leading the line. He can, if needed, feature off either flank, but is best suited down the middle.

How good is Openda?

Although he came through the Club Brugge academy and was signed by Lens from the Belgian side, it was on loan at Eredivisie side Vitesse Arnhem that Openda burst onto the scene.

The Belgian, who has already been capped at senior level by Roberto Martinez, netted 13 goals and grabbed five assists during his first season on loan at Vitesse before backing that up with 24 goals and six assists in all competitions in the 2021/22 campaign, becoming a fan favourite at the club.

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That form prompted Lens to splash €10 million to sign him from Club Brugge to replace the departed Arnaud Kalimuendo.

What clubs are interested in Openda?

The Lens man has attracted Premier League interest in the form of Leicester City, who see the striker as a potential Jamie Vardy replacement.

The Foxes have been keeping an eye on Openda for a while and have been impressed by his form at Lens. Any other interest hasn't yet been reported.

When does Openda's contract expire?

Openda's contract at Lens expires in 2027 after only joining in 2022.

How old is Openda?

Openda was born on 16 February 2000. He is 22.

What is Openda's Instagram?

Openda's Instagram handle is l.openda and he has 51.8k followers as of November 2022.