Leipzig Encounter: Chance To See Potential Attacking Reinforcements? | OneFootball

Leipzig Showdown: An Opportunity for Liverpool to Scout Summer Attacking Targets?

We tend to do well here in recent years. As Liverpool head to Leipzig for what promises to be an intriguing European away day, the focus won’t just be on the 90 minutes. This encounter provides a unique opportunity for the club to assess two of RB Leipzig’s standout forwards this season: Lois Openda and Benjamin Šeško, both of whom have been making waves in the Bundesliga.

With Nunez’s Liverpool future uncertain and speculation swirling around Mohamed Salah’s contract, the club could well be in the market for a fresh attacking option this summer. Openda and Šeško offer contrasting but compelling profiles, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see Liverpool scouts paying extra attention to their performances on Wednesday night.

Openda: The Channel-Running Dynamo

Lois Openda has been a revelation for Leipzig, seamlessly adapting to life in the Bundesliga after his move from Lens. The Belgian striker’s ability to stretch defences by running the channels, often pulling wide to create space, has been one of his standout attributes. He brings a certain unpredictability that defences find difficult to handle.

Photo: IMAGO

Openda has already accumulated 5 goals and 2 assists across 10 appearances in the Bundesliga, Champions League, and domestic cups this season. His movement and pace make him an ideal candidate for a team like Liverpool, who thrive on fluid attacking transitions.

At 24 years old, Openda offers the kind of youthful energy and dynamism that could be a perfect complement to Liverpool’s high-octane style of play. He’s not a direct replacement for Darwin Nunez, but his versatility could make him a valuable asset in a front three that often relies on rotation and flexibility.

Šeško: Aerial Threat with a Release Clause

If Openda offers pace and width, Benjamin Šeško brings something entirely different: an imposing physical presence and aerial prowess. Standing at 1.95m, Šeško’s height and strength in the air make him a genuine threat from set-pieces and crosses—something Liverpool have lacked since the days of a peak Fernando Torres.

In contrast to Openda’s wide play, Šeško thrives as a traditional centre-forward, leading the line with his physicality and ability to hold up the ball. The 21-year-old has contributed 6 goals and 3 assists in his 10 appearances across all competitions this season, including two in the UEFA Champions League. His overall performance suggests he is already evolving into one of Europe’s top young strikers.

Photo: IMAGO

Leipzig tied him down with a reported €65 million release clause, a sign of how highly the club values his potential. Whether Liverpool would be willing to meet that clause remains to be seen, but his ability to play as a focal point in attack could make him an intriguing option, especially with the looming question marks over the future of Nunez and Salah.

Nunez: Flashes of Brilliance, But Questions Remain

Darwin Nunez delivered one of his stronger performances for Liverpool in their recent clash against Chelsea. His 9 duels won were more than any other player on the pitch, showing his combative side, while his 3 tackles won (100%) demonstrated his defensive contribution from the front. Despite these stats, Nunez has yet to fully convince the Anfield faithful, and it’s hard to shake the feeling that he is still a player with something to prove. Could this uncertainty lead to the club cutting ties next summer? If so, Liverpool will need to be ready with replacements who fit their system.

Nunez’s raw talent and athleticism have never been in doubt, but his inconsistency in front of goal continues to raise questions. If his form doesn’t significantly improve over the season, the idea of him departing and being replaced by a player like Šeško or Openda doesn’t seem too far-fetched. This doesn’t mean they’re top of any list, but you’d be astonished if the club weren’t well aware of them and keeping a keen eye on their output this campaign.

The Summer Attacker Shuffle?

With Salah’s contract situation still unresolved and Nunez’s future under scrutiny, this summer could see significant changes in Liverpool’s attacking line-up. Openda and Šeško offer two distinct profiles that could fit different tactical scenarios. Openda’s channel-running and wide play would suit a front three that includes a false nine or a more central playmaker, while Šeško’s aerial dominance and physicality would provide a more traditional number nine option for Arne Slot. This isn’t quite how he’s used Nunez and Jota, but you wonder how enamoured he is with either as a nine right now.

Whatever the outcome, Wednesday night’s clash in Leipzig is a prime opportunity for Liverpool to get an up-close look at two potential summer signings. Both Openda and Šeško have proven themselves in the early stages of the season, and with Leipzig’s attacking pair likely to be in the thick of the action, this midweek tie could give Liverpool plenty to think about as they consider their summer transfer business.