Just one year after investing more than €40 million to sign Loïs Openda from RB Leipzig, Juventus are already prepared to move on from the Belgian striker following a disappointing debut season in Turin.
According to reports from Tuttosport, the Bianconeri have placed Openda on the transfer list after a campaign in which he managed only two goals in 34 appearances across all competitions.
His struggles in Serie A and Europe have convinced Juventus to explore a sale, while the player himself is eager to revive his career elsewhere.
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Monaco Emerging as the Leading Contender
Despite his difficult spell in Italy, Openda continues to attract interest on the market. His representatives have been actively searching for the right destination, and after approaches from Eintracht Frankfurt and Nottingham Forest, Monaco appear to have moved into pole position.
The Ligue 1 club have reportedly held positive talks with the striker’s entourage and are considering a deal structured as a loan with an option to buy.
No official offer has yet been submitted to Juventus, but negotiations are gathering momentum and significant developments could arrive in the coming weeks.
Juventus Looking to Avoid a Financial Loss
Juventus are keen to find a solution that allows them to part ways with Openda without recording a major capital loss on their books. The club hopes growing interest from abroad will help create the conditions for a satisfactory agreement.
A potential Openda transfer would add another chapter to the transfer relationship between Monaco and Juventus.
In the summer of 2023, the Principality club signed Denis Zakaria from the Bianconeri for just over €20 million, and the Swiss midfielder has since established himself as a key figure at the Stade Louis II.
Monaco are also home to former Juventus star Paul Pogba, who restarted his career there after leaving Turin. Now, Openda could become the latest player to make the move from Juventus to the Principality.
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The Belgian forward has mixed memories of Monaco. On January 28, he played the full 90 minutes against the French side in the final round of the UEFA Champions League league phase, failing to make an impact in a goalless draw that ultimately helped Juventus secure qualification for the playoffs.