Lois Openda playing for Belgium
Lois Openda playing for Belgium
Coventry City have been linked with a move for Juventus’ Lois Openda and Nottingham Forest are now also competing for his signature.
The striker joined the Old Lady on an initial loan deal late in the 2025 summer transfer window. RB Leipzig inserted a conditional obligation to buy and it was going to be triggered if Juve finished inside the top ten.
That is exactly what happened, even if the Bianconeri didn’t qualify for the Champions League.
They paid €40m to sign Openda permanently despite him scoring just a single goal across the season. He was out of Luciano Spalletti’s plans as the Italian preferred other options.
Earlier this year, Sport Witness covered Leeds United’s interest in the forward. Now, it is Nottingham Forest who have joined the race, along with Coventry City.
Exit certain
Today’s Gazzetta dello Sport reports new Juve CEO Giovanni Carnevalli has a big job on his hands with Openda. His arrival hasn’t changed the club’s stance on the Belgian.
They remain keen on moving on from him, which is what ex-CEO Damien Comolli also wanted.
To cut losses on Openda, Carnevalli is happy to grant a loan deal. The situation has now attracted the attention of Nottingham Forest, with Coventry City also in the picture. Interest from France has risen, with Monaco keeping an eye on the situation.
All these clubs are currently interested only in a loan deal. Juve would take it but Carnevalli is being patient and optimistic about the scenario.
He is still hoping that better offers turn up that suit Juve more from a financial standpoint.
England moves will be risky
Openda has never played in the Premier League before, having starred in the Bundesliga and France. That helped him rise to prominence before the decline at Juve.
That is also why he should consider returning to those leagues. Even if Nottingham Forest and Coventry can appeal to him, it’s a gamble for all involved.