Belgian forward Lois Openda has joined Olympique Lyonnais on a loan deal from Juventus, the clubs confirmed on Tuesday. The move is a loan with a fee of €3.5 million, and will run until June 30, 2027, effectively a season-long loan for the 2026/27 campaign. Openda arrived in Turin last summer but struggled to make a significant impact during his single season with the Serie A side.
Openda featured in 34 matches across all competitions for Juventus, including Serie A, the Champions League, and the Coppa Italia. Despite the consistent playing time, he managed to score only two goals, finding the net against Roma and Bodo/Glimt. The move to Lyon represents an opportunity for the 2000-born striker to rediscover his form in a league he is familiar with, having previously played for Lens.
Prior to joining Juventus, Openda gained experience in Belgium, the Netherlands, France, and Germany, building a diverse international career. His previous spell in Ligue 1 with Lens saw him demonstrate promising attacking capabilities, which Lyon will be hoping he can replicate. The club presented Openda in a unique social media video, featuring him playing the piano with the caption “A Lyon for a new beginning.”
Juventus released a statement confirming the transfer, wishing Openda well in his new adventure. The loan deal provides Juventus with a financial boost of €3.5 million and frees up space in their squad. Openda will be looking to secure regular playing time and regain his goalscoring touch in Lyon, potentially establishing himself as a key player in the French league. This move could prove beneficial for both clubs, allowing Openda to reignite his career while providing Lyon with a valuable attacking option.
