Lyon have secured the services of Belgian striker Loïs Openda on a loan deal from Juventus, with both clubs officially announcing the transfer.
A familiar return to Ligue 1
The 26-year-old forward returns to French football two years after a prolific spell with RC Lens, where he netted 21 Ligue 1 goals during the 2022-23 campaign. That outstanding form persuaded RB Leipzig to invest €50m to secure his signature in the summer of 2023, viewing him as the ideal candidate to lead their attacking line.
However, Openda’s tenure in the Bundesliga proved short-lived. He requested a transfer last summer after Leipzig failed to secure qualification for the UEFA Champions League, prompting the German club to sanction his departure despite their significant financial outlay.
Italian disappointment
Juventus moved swiftly to capitalise on the situation, signing Openda on an initial loan arrangement that contained a €42m obligation to buy. The Serie A giants formally triggered that permanent purchase clause on 1 July, yet the Belgium international endured a deeply frustrating spell in Turin. He managed just two goals across all competitions last season, a disappointing return for a player who had previously demonstrated such lethal finishing in France.
Lyon attacking overhaul
The French club identified Openda as the solution to their centre-forward shortage following a double departure from their striking department. Brazilian prospect Endrick has returned to parent club Real Madrid after his loan spell expired, whilst Ukrainian international Roman Yaremchuk exited after Lyon opted not to trigger the purchase clause in his loan agreement.
International exile
The move offers Openda a crucial opportunity to reignite his career and force his way back into contention for the Belgium national team. The striker was notably omitted from Rudi Garcia’s squad for the 2026 World Cup, a significant blow that underscores the importance of rediscovering his best form in a familiar league.