Loïs Openda will join Lyon on a season-long loan from Juventus, the clubs confirmed on Friday. The move comes after a challenging first season in Turin for the Belgian forward, where he struggled to establish himself in the first team. Lyon will cover Openda’s full salary during the loan period, and Juventus will receive a €3 million loan fee.
Openda arrived at Juventus last summer with considerable expectations, but failed to make a significant impact under manager Luciano Spalletti. He featured in 34 matches across Serie A, the Champions League, and Coppa Italia, scoring just twice – once against Roma and once against Bodo/Glimt. The loan to Lyon represents an opportunity for the 2000-born player to rediscover his form.
The agreement between Juventus’s Giovanni Carnevali and Lyon’s Frederic Massara was reached earlier this week, with the final details now confirmed. Openda is expected to undergo a medical and sign his contract with Lyon early next week, following Juventus’s friendly match against Standard Liege. The transfer represents a streamlining of the Juventus squad, with the club looking to reduce its wage bill.
Prior to his move to Italy, Openda enjoyed a successful season with Lens in Ligue 1 during the 2022/23 campaign. This familiarity with the French league is expected to aid his reintegration and provide a platform for him to regain confidence. The loan move allows Juventus to free up space in their squad and potentially reassess Openda’s future at the club after this season. The move could prove beneficial for all parties if Openda can recapture the form he showed at Lens.
