Juventus faces €42.75m salary hurdle as Openda eyes RC Lens return

€42.75m is the figure Juventus must ultimately pay after obligating themselves to buy Belgium international Lois Openda from RB Leipzig, a sum that now threatens to dominate any loan deal with his former club RC Lens. The player, signed on loan for €3.25m last summer, proved a costly disaster as he failed to deliver goals for Juventus.

The loan arrangement included an obligation to purchase at season’s end for a further €42.75m plus add‑ons, turning the temporary move into a permanent €46m commitment. Openda’s lack of impact – just two goals in 34 competitive games – left the Bianconeri eager to move him on.

After a Coventry City approach, RC Lens expressed strong interest in bringing Openda back, but the deal hinges on Juventus covering a large portion of his wages. The club’s financial burden remains the key obstacle to finalising the loan.

TURIN, ITALY – JANUARY 03: Lois Openda of Juventus looks dejected following the Serie A match between Juventus FC and US Lecce on January 03, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

Had it only been an option and not an obligation, the Bianconeri certainly would not have made the move permanent after a pitiful two goals in 34 competitive games. This sentiment was captured in the January photo series.

VERONA, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 20: Lois Openda of Juventus FC entered the pitch for the Serie A clash between Hellas Verona FC and Juventus FC at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on September 20, 2025 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)

Now Juve are trying to find someone to take Openda off their hands, and Footmercato in France points to RC Lens as a potential destination. Openda impressed in the 2022‑23 season with 21 goals and four assists in 38 games, earning a €40m transfer to RB Leipzig.

Unlike Juve, RC Lens have qualified for the Champions League this term, meaning they can offer Openda regular top‑level football, but Juventus would still need to shoulder a large share of his salary to make the loan viable.