Lois Openda is actively seeking a new club this summer after a disappointing first season with Juventus, according to reports from TuttoSport. The Belgian forward, who arrived from RB Leipzig for a reported €44 million last summer, has struggled to make an impact in Turin and is now considered surplus to requirements by manager Luciano Spalletti.
Openda’s arrival coincided with Juventus’ pursuit of Randal Kolo Muani, a deal which ultimately fell through, leaving the club to quickly secure Openda as an alternative. However, the 26-year-old has failed to establish himself as a consistent performer, making 34 appearances for the club but scoring only twice across 997 minutes of play. His lack of clear positional suitability – not fitting as a traditional striker, second striker, winger, or attacking midfielder – has contributed to his struggles in Serie A.
Currently, Openda is training in Portugal’s Algarve region, working with individual coach Julerson Dias to improve his physical condition and regain the form he displayed during his time with RB Leipzig, where he was a key player for the Belgian national team. He is preparing to return to Juventus for the start of pre-season on July 13th, but it appears his future lies elsewhere.
Several clubs have reportedly expressed interest in signing Openda. In France, Lyon, Rennes, and Lens have all made inquiries, while newly promoted Coventry City and Leeds United are monitoring the situation in England. Agents are working to find a club that aligns with Openda’s ambitions, and a swift departure from Juventus appears likely, despite the current absence of Dusan Vlahovic and the ongoing commitments of David with the Canadian national team. Despite being considered a misstep in the transfer market by former Juventus executive Comolli, Openda still has time to revive his career.
