He wipes the floor with Openda & Okafor: Leeds make £17m star their top target

Daniel Farke’s work at Leeds United this season simply can’t be understated, with the German securing the club another season in the Premier League.

Many pundits across the country were tipping the Whites to suffer an immediate return, but the manager’s ability to get the best out of his squad at Elland Road.

He was only handed £90m worth of funds to make the desired additions last summer, further highlighting the incredible job he’s done in Yorkshire this term.

However, the manager spoke out in his recent pre-match press conference, stating that he wants more ambition from the hierarchy to help the side progress to the next level.

The upcoming transfer window presents the 49ers with the perfect opportunity to hand Farke the tools he requires to build on their club’s Premier League survival.

Leeds make £17m star their top summer transfer target

Over the last couple of weeks, Leeds have been just one of a handful of clubs in the race to sign Juventus striker Lois Openda when the transfer window opens.

The Belgian international has struggled during the 2025/26 season in Serie A, subsequently only managing to find the net once in Italy’s top division to date.

However, the Whites are still said to be keen on a deal for the 26-year-old during the off-season, with newly-promoted outfit Coventry City also said to be interested.

Openda isn’t the only attacking-minded player currently in the hierarchy’s sights this summer, with Burnley star Zian Flemming another target under consideration.

According to Football Insider, Farke’s side have made the Dutch star their top transfer target this summer after the Clarets suffered relegation back to the Championship.

The report also states that the board are constantly monitoring the 27-year-old after undoubtedly being Scott Parker’s star forward throughout the 2025/26 campaign.

It’s previously been claimed that a fee in the region of £17m would be required to land the striker’s signature – a deal which could prove to be a potential bargain.

Why Flemming would be a big upgrade on Openda & Okafor

As part of last summer’s spending spree after promotion, Leeds secured the £18m signing of Swiss international forward Noah Okafor from Italian side, Napoli.

The 25-year-old has endured a stop-start campaign through injury, but when he’s featured at Elland Road, he’s often given the supporters numerous memories to cherish.

He’s currently sitting on eight league goals from his 28 appearances to date, with his double against Manchester United at Old Trafford undoubtedly his best contribution.

His versatility in being able to play out wide or as a central striker has handed Farke the chance to operate with different systems in their efforts to secure survival.

The £18m spent on Okafor last summer now looks to be excellent business, but he may find minutes harder to come by, should Flemming make the move to Yorkshire.

The Dutch talisman would be a superb Premier League-proven addition for the Whites, something which can’t be said about fellow transfer target, Openda.

His tally of 10 goals this season is higher than that of the Juventus star and current first team member Okafor – subsequently demonstrating his quality within the final third of the pitch.

Flemming, who’s been dubbed “incredible” by temporary Burnley boss Michael Jackson, has also registered a 39% shot on target accuracy rate – which is also higher than the aforementioned duo.

His biggest asset is his aerial ability, with the 27-year-old winning an average of 3.3 aerials per 90 – something which makes him perfect for Farke’s current system.

His subsequent tally is higher than both Okafor and Openda, which could make him a readymade addition to battle Dominic Calvert-Lewin for the starting position.

Flemming’s threat in attacking areas is further highlighted by his tally of 1.4 fouls won per 90, with the opposition often having to foul him to prevent the forward from finding the back of the net.

£17m for a player of his quality would be an excellent deal for Leeds this summer as they look to rise up the Premier League table and build on their recent survival.

His physicality and clinical nature are an excellent combination for the Whites, with such a skillset making him a huge asset for Farke ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

Openda may be the supporters’ first choice this summer, but it appears the hierarchy are preferring a more proven option in England’s top-flight to help the German take the club to the next level.