RC Lens are pursuing a reunion with former forward Lois Openda as the Ligue 1 club prepare for their return to the UEFA Champions League. However, substantial financial obstacles stand in the way of bringing the Belgium international back to the Stade Bollaert-Delelis.
Struggles in Serie A
Openda has endured a difficult spell since leaving Lens in 2023, managing just two goals in 34 competitive appearances for Juventus following his arrival from RB Leipzig. This tally contrasts sharply with his prolific form during the 2022-23 campaign in northern France, where he scored 21 times in 38 matches and helped Lens finish just one point behind eventual champions Paris Saint-Germain.
The striker originally departed Lens for RB Leipzig in a €40 million move, where he scored 41 goals in 93 appearances before his ill-fated switch to Serie A. Now Juventus are actively seeking to offload the 26-year-old after being obligated to pay €42.75 million to make his loan permanent last summer, having initially paid RB Leipzig €3.25 million for the temporary arrangement.
Wage complications
The forward’s salary represents the primary stumbling block to any potential return. Foot Mercato reports that Lens would require Juventus to cover a significant portion of Openda’s wages to facilitate a loan arrangement. Without such assistance, the deal appears financially unfeasible for the French side despite their European qualification.
Lens face competition for the player’s signature, with English club Coventry City also having approached Juventus regarding the forward. Sporting director Jean-Louis Leca is reportedly driving the French club’s efforts to secure the deal as they rebuild their squad for the Champions League group stage.
A return to Lens would offer Openda the opportunity to feature in Europe’s elite competition with a club where he previously enjoyed his most productive period. However, the financial negotiations between the parties remain delicate, with Juventus potentially needing to subsidise the player’s wages to secure his departure.