What changed
2026-08-05 07:23 UTC → 2026-08-18 22:17 UTC ·
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removed
Openda loan to Lyon confirmed – July 2026 and debut scored
After Following a disappointing 2025‑26 2025–26 season at Juventus, where Loïs Openda scored only two goals in 34 Serie A appearances, the Belgian striker became the focus of a summer transfer saga. Early June reports noted Juventus evaluating offers for Openda, with French side Lens and other clubs expressing interest. Throughout early July, multiple Ligue 1 teams – notably joined Olympique Lyonnais, RC Lens and Stade Rennes – were reported as leading suitors, while English side Coventry City also entered the discussion. Juventus explored a loan‑with‑option‑to‑buy arrangement, indicating willingness to subsidise a portion of Openda’s €7.4 million‑per‑year salary to facilitate a move. Lens negotiations centred Lyonnais on a loan backed by a 40 % wage cut, but financial constraints shifted Juventus’s preference toward Lyon, season-long loan. The deal, which appeared able to meet runs until June 2027, involves a €4 €3.5 million net wage contribution. By 21 July the loan to Lyon was set, with an option to fee but does not include a purchase and option. As part of the agreement, a salary‑sharing clause. Openda missed Lyon’s 0‑4 friendly loss 5% solidarity contribution of €175,000 will be paid to Real Betis on 30 July, but coach Paulo Fonseca confirmed his inclusion for development clubs, including RC Lens. Openda’s integration into the Lyon squad began during the Champions League third‑qualifying round qualifying stages. After missing a friendly against Sparta Prague. He Real Betis, he made his competitive debut for Lyon in the 2‑1 a 2–1 defeat in against Sparta Prague on 4 August, marking August. While his initial involvement was limited, he found scoring form during the Champions League preliminary playoff first competitive appearance of leg against Fenerbahçe. On 18 August, Openda scored a 40th-minute header following an assist from Corentin Tolisso, helping Lyon secure a 1–1 draw. Following the loan spell. goal, Openda noted it had been months since his last score, describing the reaction as instinctive. The loan remains a key element component of Juventus’s summer restructuring, aiming to recoup aimed at recouping part of the €43‑44 their €43–44 million investment while freeing wage space for new signings. space.