Race for Openda: Coventry rival Lens

The future of Loïs Openda is turning into one of the most emotional races of the summer transfer window. According to the exclusive report, Lens are pushing to bring back their former striker, who has endured a disappointing spell at Juventus. Sporting director Jean-Louis Leca is said to have been speaking personally with the player for several days, offering him a key role, guaranteed minutes and the opportunity to play in the Champions League. However, the race is not limited to Lens: Coventry City are also reported to be in contact with Juventus, with clubs such as Lyon and Rennes monitoring the file.

The player's side is Lens' biggest card. The 26-year-old Belgian striker is said to feel a deep attachment to Bollaert and to view it as the ideal environment for a rebirth. Nevertheless, the file's biggest obstacle is the financial picture: earning more than €7 million gross per year at Juventus with a contract until 2030, the player's wages are completely incompatible with Lens' salary structure. For the transfer to happen, Juventus must cover a significant portion of the salary.

Openda's last three years read like a summary of football's ups and downs. Scoring 21 goals for Lens in 2022-23 to earn a €40 million move to Leipzig, the striker reached 41 goals in 93 matches in Germany. But at Juventus, whom he joined last summer on a loan with an obligation to buy worth around €44 million, the machine ground to a complete halt: managing only two goals in 34 matches, the Belgian has not scored since December 2025, played a total of four minutes in the final 11 games of the season and missed out on Belgium's World Cup squad.

On Juventus' side, the priority has shifted. Realizing they cannot recoup their investment, the Italian giants are said to favour a loan formula over a sale so the player can rebuild his value. The coming days will be decisive in this file.

Source: Foot Mercato
Image: Yahoo Sports