Loïs Openda transfer saga involves Juventus, Lens, Rennes and Lyon
French club AS Saint‑Étienne is evaluating its goalkeeper options ahead of the new season. Manager Ian Cathro may start 17‑year‑old academy product Alexis Colombet in a pre‑season friendly after the departure of Brice Maubleu and other squad changes. The club is also close to completing two signings: midfielder Thierno Ballo from Austria’s Wolfsberger AC on a €3 million, four‑year deal, and Senegalese goalkeeper Mamour Ndiaye from Norway’s Sarpsborg for about €1.5 million with additional bonuses.
In the broader Ligue 1 market, RC Lens appears to be leading the race for Belgian striker Loïs Openda, who is expected to leave Juventus. Sources suggest Lens is negotiating a loan with an option to buy, ahead of Rennes and Olympique Lyonnais, who remain interested. Juventus, meanwhile, has shifted its strategy, opting to loan Openda rather than sell him outright, hoping a season of regular play will restore his value after a disappointing spell in Italy.
Lens is also targeting PSV Eindhoven defender Armando Obispo, a 27‑year‑old left‑footed centre‑back who impressed at the World Cup with Curaçao. The French club views the €3‑4 million player as a cost‑effective reinforcement, though they acknowledge a physical adaptation period may be needed for Ligue 1.