Openda on the Move: Juventus Close to Sending Striker to Lyon After Standard Liege Friendly

FolioPitch.com – 23 July 2026 | In a developing transfer saga, Juventus are close to sending striker Lois Openda to Lyon after the Belgian forward features in a pre-season friendly against Standard Liege this weekend. The Serie A giants are finalizing a loan deal with an option to buy, as reports from Italy and France indicate that Openda has given his preliminary approval to join the Ligue 1 side. The move marks a significant shift for the 26-year-old, who arrived at Juventus for a combined €43.9 million in loan and transfer fees but struggled to make an impact under coach Luciano Spalletti.

Juventus close to sending Openda to Lyon after Standard Liege friendly, but the timing is crucial. Spalletti needs Openda for the match against Standard Liege on Saturday due to a shortage of senior centre-forwards. With Arkadiusz Milik and Jeff Ekhator injured, and Jonathan David still on an extended break after the World Cup, Openda remains a necessary asset for the friendly. However, once that game is done, the path is clear for his departure.

The Belgian international scored just one goal in 24 Serie A appearances last season, a disappointing return for a player expected to bolster Juventus’s attack. Despite the club’s need for a striker in the second half of the 2025-26 campaign, Openda found himself at the bottom of Spalletti’s pecking order. Now, Juventus are keen to offload his wages—€7.4 million gross per season—while Lyon are eager to add depth to their forward line under coach Paolo Fonseca.

Lyon’s current highest earner, Corentin Tolisso, earns €5.4 million gross annually, meaning a wage contribution from Juventus may be necessary to bridge the gap. Negotiations are ongoing, but Fonseca expects the deal to be wrapped up early next week. The structure is likely a loan with an option to buy, giving Lyon flexibility and Juventus a chance to recover some of their investment.

Juventus close to sending Openda to Lyon after Standard Liege friendly, and the move represents a pragmatic solution for all parties. For Openda, it’s a chance to revive his career in Ligue 1, where he previously thrived at Lens. For Juventus, it clears a spot and reduces the wage bill. For Lyon, they gain a proven goalscorer without a hefty upfront fee.

The friendly against Standard Liege will be Openda’s last appearance in a Juventus shirt, at least for now. Spalletti has confirmed that the striker will play some part in the match, as the team continues its pre-season preparations. After that, all eyes will be on the transfer market as the Bianconeri look to finalize the deal.

This development comes amid a busy transfer window for Juventus, who are also targeting several new signings. Spalletti has expressed frustration at delays in the market, but the Openda situation appears to be moving swiftly. If the loan goes through, it will free up funds and a squad place for potential reinforcements.

In conclusion, Juventus close to sending Openda to Lyon after Standard Liege friendly, marking the end of a challenging chapter for the forward in Turin. The move underscores the financial realities of modern football, where big-money signings can quickly become surplus to requirements. For Openda, a fresh start at Lyon offers a path back to form, while for Juventus, it’s a step toward reshaping their squad for the upcoming season.