Loïs Openda is set to depart Juventus and rejoin Olympique Lyon on a temporary deal, marking a fresh start for the Belgian striker after a disappointing campaign in Italy. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed that all parties have reached a verbal agreement, with Lyon paying a €3 million loan fee and covering the forward's full salary. The move notably excludes a purchase option, despite earlier speculation about a potential buying clause.
The 25-year-old underwent his medical assessment this week, clearing the final hurdle before the transfer becomes official. Openda had previously approved the switch to Lyon, eager to escape his frustrating stint at the Serie A giants. His spell in Turin proved costly for Juventus, who invested heavily in acquiring him from RB Leipzig in summer 2025 with an obligation to purchase worth approximately €40 million. The return was minimal: Openda managed just 2 goals across 34 competitive matches, often relegated to substitute duties and unable to establish himself in the starting eleven.
Return to Ligue 1 for Former Lens Striker
Openda's move back to French football represents a redemption opportunity. The 33-cap Belgium international previously thrived in Ligue 1 with RC Lens during the 2022-23 season, when he scored an impressive 21 goals that propelled the club to an unexpected second-place finish. That breakout campaign earned him the move to elite European football, but adaptation to Italian football has proven far more challenging. Lyon hope his familiarity with the French league's attacking style will reignite his scoring form.
The loan arrangement underlines Juventus's acknowledgment that the partnership has failed to deliver. Openda's inability to adapt to the Bianconeri's tactical demands and the club's crowded forward line has left all parties seeking alternative solutions. With Lyon providing a genuine opportunity to play regular minutes and rediscover his confidence, Openda faces a critical campaign to revive his career trajectory and prove his earlier Lens form was not a one-season wonder.
