Lois Openda (foto: Getty Images)
Juventus is forced to buy Loïs Openda for over €40m after a clause triggers, even though the striker struggled and is already expected to leave.
Juventus faces a costly obligation after triggering the mandatory purchase clause for Loïs Openda, despite the striker’s underwhelming season in Turin.
The Belgian forward joined on loan from RB Leipzig, but the deal included a condition. If Juventus finished in the top 10 of Serie A, the transfer would become permanent. That target has now been secured, activating a fee of €40.6 million, on top of the €3.3 million already paid.
From a sporting perspective, the numbers raise concern. Openda made 36 appearances across all competitions but scored only two goals. His role dropped sharply in recent months, with almost no minutes since early March. His last appearance came in a brief cameo against AS Roma.
The structure of the deal leaves no room for adjustment. The clause links only to team performance, not individual output. Once Juventus secured its league objective, the obligation became automatic.
This creates a clear problem for the club. The total investment will reach nearly €45 million, yet the player has not earned a stable place in the squad. Reports from Italy suggest that Juventus already plans to move him on in the summer.
The focus now shifts to damage control. The club will look for buyers or loan solutions to recover part of the investment, but its current form and limited impact reduce its market value.
For Juventus, this deal stands as a warning. A clause tied to team results has forced a major financial commitment, even when the player failed to deliver on the pitch.