Olympique Lyonnais have emerged as serious contenders to sign Lois Openda from Juventus, offering to pay the Belgian forward’s full wages in a proposal that threatens to derail RC Lens’s attempts to bring their former goalscorer back to Ligue 1.
The 26-year-old’s permanent move to Turin has proved disastrous. Juventus paid RB Leipzig approximately €46 million—comprising a €3.25 million loan fee plus a €42.75 million obligation to buy—to make the transfer permanent last summer, yet Openda contributed just two goals in 34 competitive appearances. He started only nine matches and made a solitary substitute appearance in the final 11 rounds of the campaign, falling entirely out of favour under coach Luciano Spalletti.
Lens reunion faces financial barriers
RC Lens, where Openda struck 21 goals in 42 games during the 2022-23 season, remain eager to re-sign the striker following their qualification for the UEFA Champions League. However, the French club lack the financial flexibility to cover Openda’s salary without assistance.
According to reports, any loan return to the Stade Bollaert would require Juventus to subsidise a substantial portion of the forward’s wages. This obstacle has allowed rivals to capitalise on Lens’s constraints.
Lyon and Coventry provide alternatives
Olympique Lyonnais have positioned themselves advantageously by proposing a deal that would see them absorb Openda’s entire salary packet. Like Lens, Lyon can offer Champions League football next season, making their proposal particularly attractive.
Coventry City have also opened talks over a loan move for the Belgium international. While the Championship play-off winners cannot offer European competition, reports indicate they can provide Premier League football.
Juventus are understood to favour a loan arrangement with an option to buy, hoping to rebuild Openda’s market value after his Serie A struggles. With Lyon able to meet his wage demands immediately, the coming days will determine whether the forward prioritises a sentimental return to Lens or opts for the financial certainty offered by Lyon.