Juventus to trigger permanent signing of Lois Openda despite poor first season
Juventus are obligated to sign Lois Openda on a permanent deal from RC Lens, with the club mathematically assured of a top-ten Serie A finish. The condition for the obligation to buy was linked to Juventus's final league position, a clause that has now been met following their recent results. The Belgian striker, 24, joined on an initial loan last summer for a fee of 3.3 million euros plus bonuses.
The permanent transfer will see Juventus pay a fixed fee of 40.6 million euros, which can rise to 46.4 million with add-ons, according to Italian reports. The sum is payable in installments over four years. Openda has already signed a long-term contract with Juventus, tying him to the club until June 2030 on an estimated net salary of 4 million euros per season.
The decision to proceed with the costly purchase comes despite Openda's deeply underwhelming debut campaign in Turin. The forward has managed just two goals across 33 appearances in all competitions, playing only 993 minutes. His lack of impact has drawn criticism, with former Juventus midfielder Alessio Tacchinardi recently labelling his season "terrible."
Openda arrived with a strong reputation after a prolific 2022-23 season with Lens, where his 21 goals helped the club secure a surprise second-place finish in Ligue 1 and qualification for the Champions League. His pace and direct style were seen as ideal for Massimiliano Allegri's system, but he has failed to displace Dusan Vlahovic or Federico Chiesa in the attacking hierarchy.
For Juventus, the financial commitment is significant. When factoring in the amortized transfer fee and his wages, the total cost to the club's accounts is estimated to be approximately 17.55 million euros per season over the remaining contract. This represents a major investment in a player who has yet to prove he can perform in Serie A.
The move ultimately makes more strategic sense for Lens, who secure a substantial fee for a player they signed from Club Brugge for roughly 10 million euros just two years ago. For Juventus, it is a bet on Openda's potential and past form, with the hope that a full pre-season and greater familiarity will help him rediscover his scoring touch. The club's new manager, likely Thiago Motta, will now be tasked with integrating a high-cost asset who has so far been a fringe figure.
