Key Takeaways:
- Lyon have acquired Loïs Openda on loan from Juventus, following a challenging season for the forward in Italy
- The 26-year-old Belgian returns to Ligue 1, having previously scored 21 league goals in one season for RC Lens before a €50m move to RB Leipzig in 2023
- Openda joins after Lyon parted ways with Endrick and Roman Yaremchuk, aiming to revitalise his career and hopes of a Belgium recall
Transfer Details and Career Background
Olympique Lyonnais have bolstered their attacking options by bringing in Loïs Openda on loan from Juventus. Both clubs confirmed the deal, which marks a Ligue 1 return for the Belgium international after a prolific spell at RC Lens three years ago. Openda’s 21-goal tally in his sole Ligue 1 season with Lens prompted a €50m transfer to RB Leipzig in 2023.
However, following RB Leipzig’s failure to secure UEFA Champions League qualification, Openda requested a move away. Juventus capitalised by signing the striker on an initial loan that included a €42m obligation to buy, effective from 1st July. The Belgian struggled for form in Turin, netting just two goals across all competitions last season.
Welcome to Lyon, @LoisOpenda! ❤️💙 pic.twitter.com/NT7ozGke5P
— Olympique Lyonnais 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@OL_English) July 28, 2026
Lyon’s Attack Reinforced Following Departures
Lyon needed attacking reinforcements after Real Madrid loanee Endrick returned to his parent club and the club opted not to activate Román Yaremchuk’s purchase option. By securing Openda, Lyon aim to fill the void left by these departures and inject proven Ligue 1 firepower into their squad.
Openda’s Objectives at Lyon
Openda will seek to revitalise his career in France, hoping to replicate his previous Ligue 1 successes. The move also presents a chance for the striker to catch the attention of Belgium manager Rudi Garcia again, after he was omitted from the squad for the 2026 World Cup.
