Lois Openda: Juventus and Lens in talks over surprise return for Belgian-Moroccan forward

Belgium-Morocco international Lois Openda, currently at Juventus, is the subject of transfer talks over a potential move back to Ligue 1 with former club Lens.

The 26-year-old centre-forward only joined Juventus permanently this summer, signing from RB Leipzig on 1 July 2026 after a season-long loan in Turin. He is under contract with the Serie A side until June 2030, but Lens are exploring the possibility of bringing him back to France as they look to add proven attacking output ahead of the new campaign.

Openda made his name in Ligue 1 with Lens, scoring 21 goals in 38 league appearances during his time in France before earning a €40m move to Leipzig in July 2023. His performances in Germany maintained his reputation as a reliable scorer, with 33 goals in 69 Bundesliga outings, before Juventus moved for him on loan in September 2025, paying a fee of €3.25m prior to this summer’s permanent deal.

At Juventus, Openda’s impact in Serie A has so far been modest, with one goal in 24 league appearances, a return that has prompted questions over his long-term role in Turin despite the club committing €42.75m to secure him from Leipzig. Lens, who previously paid €15.39m to sign him from Club Brugge in 2022, are now weighing up whether Juventus’ valuation, understood to be close to his current €25m market value, can be met.

With four years remaining on his contract, Juventus are under no pressure to sell, and discussions are described as exploratory, with no agreement yet in place.