Fulham and Everton step up pursuit of Juventus striker Lois Openda as Lyon push to complete deal
Fulham and Everton have emerged as leading contenders in the race to sign Juventus striker Lois Openda, although French giants Lyon remain firmly in the hunt as the battle for the Belgian international intensifies this summer.
According to French publication Jeunes Footeux, Lyon have made encouraging progress in negotiations with Juventus over a potential transfer for the 26-year-old forward. However, despite advancing discussions, the Ligue 1 outfit are reportedly not the favourites to secure his signature, with Premier League clubs Fulham and Everton increasing their interest in recent weeks.
Difficult debut season in Italy
Openda’s time in Turin has fallen well short of expectations following his arrival from RB Leipzig last summer.
Juventus initially brought the Belgian striker to the Allianz Stadium on a season-long loan agreement that included a conditional obligation to make the move permanent. The Serie A club had hoped Openda would carry over the prolific goalscoring form he displayed in the Bundesliga, where he established himself as one of Germany’s most dangerous attacking players.
Instead, his first campaign in Italy proved frustrating. Opportunities became increasingly limited, particularly following Luciano Spalletti’s arrival, and the striker struggled to establish himself as a regular starter.
Across 34 appearances in all competitions, Openda accumulated just 997 minutes on the pitch, scoring only twice as he failed to make the impact Juventus had anticipated.
Despite those disappointing numbers, Openda continues to attract significant attention across Europe, with several clubs believing his struggles in Serie A have not diminished the quality that made him one of the continent’s most sought-after forwards during his spell with RB Leipzig and previously at RC Lens.
Everton looking to strengthen attack
Everton are expected to prioritise signing another striker before the transfer window closes as David Moyes looks to improve his attacking options.
Neither Beto nor Thierno Barry managed to provide the consistency required throughout the 2025/26 campaign. Although both forwards produced moments of quality, neither established themselves as the club’s undisputed first-choice centre-forward.
Barry’s future on Merseyside is also uncertain amid reported interest from RB Leipzig, potentially increasing Everton’s urgency to recruit another proven goalscorer.
Openda’s pace, movement and experience at the highest level make him an attractive option as the Toffees aim to strengthen their frontline ahead of the new season.
Fulham also searching for a new frontman
Fulham are equally keen to reinforce their attacking department after significant changes to their striking options.
Veteran forward Raul Jimenez left Craven Cottage earlier this summer after his contract expired, completing a return to Wolverhampton Wanderers. Meanwhile, Rodrigo Muniz continues to be linked with a possible move away, leaving head coach Alvaro Arbeloa eager to add another recognised striker to his squad.
With uncertainty surrounding Fulham’s current centre-forward options, Openda has emerged as a leading candidate capable of bringing pace, experience and goals to the West London club.
Lyon hoping Ligue 1 familiarity proves decisive
Lyon remain determined to bring Openda back to French football despite facing fierce competition from England.
Paulo Fonseca is understood to be searching for a reliable central striker, with the current squad lacking a recognised first-choice No. 9. Openda represents an appealing solution not only because of his ability but also because of his successful spell with RC Lens before his move to Germany.
His previous experience in Ligue 1 means he would require little time to adapt, making him a logical target for Lyon as they seek to strengthen their attack.
Although his stock has dipped following a difficult year in Italy, the French club believe a return to familiar surroundings could help the Belgian rediscover the form that once made him one of Europe’s most exciting forwards.
Race remains wide open
While Lyon have reportedly made positive progress in discussions with Juventus, Jeunes Footeux claims both Everton and Fulham have significantly intensified their pursuit of Openda in recent weeks.
Negotiations between Lyon and Juventus are continuing, but the Premier League duo are believed to be in the strongest position to secure the Belgian international’s signature if they decide to accelerate their interest.
With Juventus seemingly open to parting ways with Openda after just one season, the coming weeks could prove decisive as Fulham, Everton and Lyon battle to land the experienced striker before the transfer window shuts.
