Lois Openda expected to clear Aston Villa medical if needed ahead of transfer
Aston Villa are reportedly interested in signing RB Leipzig centre forward Lois Openda ahead of the transfer deadline.
Evann Guessand joined Aston Villa this summer, but they are a few attackers shy, with Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio no longer at the club.
Loin Bailey has also sealed his Villa Park exit to join AS Roma on a season-long loan deal.
This has led to their pursuit of Openda, 25, who has been a regular for the Bundesliga outfit.
This story includes exclusive opinion from injury expert Dr Rajpal Brar, a doctor in physical therapy and a sports scientist.
Openda expected to clear his pre-transfer medical
The 27-cap Belgium international will need to clear his medical ahead of a potential transfer in the coming weeks.
Dr Rajpal Brar does not foresee that being an issue, given his general injury history and his fitness record last season.
Aston Villa have discussed a move to sign Openda for a while, but things have not progressed in recent weeks.
Sky Sports journalist Sacha Tavolieri reported on 30 July that Ollie Watkins’ sale would be necessary for them to sign the Leipzig star.
| Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| RB Leipzig | 91 | 41 | 18 |
| Vitesse | 88 | 37 | 11 |
| Club Brugge | 53 | 5 | 3 |
| Lens | 42 | 21 | 4 |
Speaking about Openda’s potential move, Dr Brar told Villa News: “He played regularly in all competitions and suffered no fitness issues.
“I expect him to clear his medical without any issues as he’s faced no major injury problems recently.
“Players coming from the Bundesliga often take a while to adapt to the Premier League, so that’s something any club signing him will need to take into consideration.”
Aston Villa do not need to sign Openda
Aston Villa do not need Openda as Watkins, their record Premier League goalscorer, remains a key figure and is not leaving, with the club rejecting interest from Manchester United and Newcastle.
Additionally, the recent £26million signing of Guessand from Nice adds depth and versatility to the attack.
With Watkins and Guessand, Villa have sufficient striker options and what they need are more wide attacking players.
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