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Loïs Openda: A Potential Return to Lens as Juventus Look to Part Ways

Speculations abound as Loïs Openda could be on the move from Juventus back to his former club Lens. Find out more about the Belgian striker's uncertain future and what could be in store for him next.

Loïs Openda: A Potential Return to Lens as Juventus Look to Part Ways

The Belgian striker is not part of Juventus’ plans, and the club are set to put him on the transfer market: Lens, his former club, is one option Loïs Openda could leave Juventus in June. At the moment, it is merely speculation, but barring any surprises during the next transfer window, it will become a reality, given that all parties share the same view: to part ways without too many regrets and without losing too much money. Juventus’ decision to renew Luciano Spalletti’s contract does not bode well for any surprising changes; under the former Italy manager, the Belgian has slipped to second-last in the attacking pecking order, with only Milik – back in the squad for the Udinese game – in a worse position. Openda is a substitute; since the start of 2026, he has started just once, in the home defeat against Como, and has been on the bench for Juventus’s last two matches, the home wins against Pisa (4-0) and Udinese (1-0).His record in black and white has been a disaster; he arrived on the final day of the 2025 transfer window, signed at the eleventh hour as a backup for Kolo Muani (for whom Paris Saint-Germain held firm right until the end), the striker, born in 2000, has scored just two goals in 33 competitive matches across the league and cup competitions – against Roma in the league and against Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League group stage. For Juve, he was supposed to represent the present and the future, becoming one of Dusan Vlahovic’s successors on the pitch; in Turin, he has failed to live up to expectations, more so than his strike partner David. In just a few months, he went from being a potential first-team regular to a substitute; he lost confidence in his abilities and his place in the Belgium squad, which, barring any surprising developments, will not take him to the World Cup in Mexico, the United States and Canada.Juventus have signed Openda from Leipzig on a loan deal with an option to buy, which becomes mandatory if certain conditions are met. The Bianconeri have invested €3.3 million for the loan, and this summer they will begin paying, in instalments, the €40.6 million buy-out fee, which will become official once it is mathematically certain that the team will finish in the top ten. Here is the statement regarding his signing: "Juventus Football Club S.p.A. announces that it has reached an agreement with RB Leipzig for the acquisition, on a temporary basis until 30 June 2026, of the registration rights of the player Ikoma-Loïs Openda, for a fee of €3.3 million. Bonuses of up to €0.8 million are also provided for upon the achievement of certain sporting objectives. The agreement also includes an obligation on the part of Juventus to acquire the player’s sporting rights on a permanent basis should certain conditions be met during the 2025/2026 season. The agreed fee for the potential permanent acquisition is €40.6 million, payable over four financial years, plus ancillary costs of €1.7 million." To avoid making a loss, Juventus must sell him for around €35 million. Selling him would mean significant savings on wages: Openda earns €7.4 million gross until 2030, which amounts to around €4 million net per year.Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reportingIn France, I’m sure Openda could leave Juventus this summer and sign for a new club. That could well be Lens again, for whom he already played in the 2022–23 season, scoring 21 goals in 42 competitive matches (a superb season that earned him a move to Leipzig). The French club could be working on a loan deal with an obligation to buy should certain conditions be met, but they need to qualify for the next Champions League to secure the associated UEFA revenue. Their chances are excellent: with eight matches remaining in Ligue 1, the Sang et Or have 56 points, one behind leaders PSG and nine ahead of fourth-placed Lyon. 

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Loïs Openda: Struggling at Juventus

Loïs Openda finds himself on the outskirts at Juventus, with limited playing time and a disappointing goal record. Having slipped down the pecking order under coach Luciano Spalletti, Openda is looking for a way out to reignite his career.

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A Failed Investment for Juventus

Despite high expectations upon his arrival from Leipzig, Openda has failed to deliver at Juventus, with just two goals to his name in 33 appearances. The club is now looking to offload him to recoup their investment and save on hefty wages.

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Return to Lens on the Cards

Lens, Openda's former club where he enjoyed success in the past, could be his destination once again. Talks of a potential loan deal with an obligation to buy are circulating, but Lens' qualification for the Champions League will be a key factor in finalizing the move.

Published on Mar 17, 2026