Openda feels Juve move ‘wasn’t a mistake’

Syndicated reporting provided by Stats Perform and reviewed by the SoccerNews editorial team.

Lois Openda insists his move to Juventus “wasn’t a mistake” as it allowed him to work on new parts of his game.

The 26-year-old joined the Bianconeri last summer following a reported €42.8m move from RB Leipzig, but he failed to make an impact under Igor Tudor or Luciano Spalletti.

Just nine of his 34 appearances for Juve in 2025-26 were starts, with Dusan Vlahovic and Jonathan David the preferred options, as he scored just two goals across all competitions.

The Belgium international joined Lyon on loan this season and has already directly contributed to more goals (three – two goals and one assist) in eight games than he did across the whole of last term.

Despite his struggles at Juve, which led to him missing out on Belgium’s World Cup squad, Openda believes it was still a useful season.

“I spoke with Damien Comolli, who was then the club director, and he explained how he intended to use me in a difficult league,” Openda told L’Equipe.

— Olympique Lyonnais  (@OL_English) September 17, 2026

“In Italy, the team that really exploits depth is Inter. Roma are only just starting to understand it.

“The coach wanted me, but Vlahovic and David were already playing in my position. I had good chemistry with David, but the team wasn’t used to playing with a player who runs in behind, and Vlahovic tended to keep the ball to himself.

“I tried to get my chance, and sometimes I did, but towards the end of the season, I realised that to play, I had to leave.

“It wasn’t a mistake, and it allowed me to work on aspects I hadn’t considered. I knew exactly what I was getting into, and I’m sure that in other circumstances, it would have gone better.”

Having taken eight points from their first four games in Ligue 1 this season, Lyon take on Rennes, who are one place and two points above them, on Saturday.

Ligue 1 News

The Numbers Game: Marseille out to avoid historic low against rivals PSG

Ligue 1 News

Lens sack Toppmoller after four Ligue 1 games

Ligue 1 News

‘I’ve never been the chosen one’, claims Dembele

Ligue 1 News

Luis Enrique admits PSG’s display at Brest was worst of the season

Ligue 1 News

Criticism ‘has to make PSG get better’, insists Luis Enrique

Ligue 1 News

Camara ‘turned the page’ after Chelsea move collapsed

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. By using our website you agree to our use of cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.