Nottingham Forest Considers Transfer of Juventus Striker, Lois Openda
June 20, 2026 · Global
Nottingham Forest are considering a transfer for Lois Openda from Juventus, who has struggled for goals after moving from RB Leipzig. With Juventus overhauling their attack, Openda's future was uncertain, and Forest saw the potential to revive his career.
Nottingham Forest's summer plans have taken an interesting turn, with Gianluca Di Marzio reporting information regarding the club's interest in Juventus striker Lois Openda. For Forest fans, this rumor carries both hope and risk, considering that Openda is a high-quality player even though his recent goalscoring record has been quite disappointing.
Openda, now 26 years old, appears to be available on the market as Juventus prepares to overhaul its attack line. Dusan Vlahovic will reportedly leave as a free agent on June 30 after failing to reach a new deal, while Jonathan David, Openda and Eden Zhegrova are also reportedly on the sell list. This situation creates opportunities for clubs like Forest to recruit players.
Forest is reportedly one of the clubs monitoring Openda, competing with Eintracht Frankfurt and AS Monaco. Each club offers a different vision for Openda. Monaco can offer experience in Ligue 1, Frankfurt offers a strong development platform, while Forest offers the opportunity to play in the Premier League, intensity, status and the chance to be part of an ambitious project.
It cannot be denied that Openda's time at Juventus was disappointing. After his €45 million move from RB Leipzig, he scored just two goals in 34 games. For a striker known for his pace, sharp movement and ferocious finishing, those numbers are eye-popping.
However, when it comes to recruitment, it's not just about buying players based on last season's statistics. It's about identifying whether a bad campaign is a sign of decline, a mismatch, or a specific situation. Forest needs to decide which version of Openda they are sure they want to hire.
At RB Leipzig, he was explosive, direct and dangerous when he found space. At Juventus, he seemed to lack confidence and perhaps did not fit into the team's playing structure. This is very important, because some attackers need space to attack, tempo to exploit, and confidence to feel comfortable in the rhythm of the game. If Forest is serious, they should think about whether they can provide that to Openda.
Juventus' interest in Atletico Madrid striker Alexander Sorloth adds context to Openda's possible exit. According to Sky Sport Italia transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio, Juventus have started direct talks with Sorloth regarding personal terms. Sorloth, who scored 20 goals in 54 competitive games for Atletico Madrid this season after joining from Villarreal for €32 million in 2024, is considered by Juventus as part of their attacking strategy going forward.
This situation puts Openda in a vulnerable position. Football can be very cruel. When one expensive transfer falls through, and another striker arrives, suddenly a player with Champions League level attributes is looking for a convincing new chapter.
For Nottingham Forest, Openda was not a safe and simple signing. He would be a statement, a bet on talent, speed and revival. If Forest can negotiate patiently, this deal could make sense. Juventus may need to let some players go, and Openda may need a club willing to look beyond one bad season.
A potential transfer to Forest would ask one simple question. Is Openda the striker that Juventus failed to find, or the dynamic striker that Europe once admired before Turin cooled his form? If Forest believe it is the latter, this could be one of the most interesting transfer stories of their summer.
From a Nottingham Forest fan's point of view, it's the kind of connection that stirs the imagination, although the rational part of your mind immediately checks the numbers and feels disappointment. Two goals in 34 games is not the expected output from a striker worth €45 million. It cannot be ignored.
However, Forest have to shop smartly, and sometimes that means looking at players whose value has dropped due to mismatches. Openda didn't become a bad performer overnight. He's fast, aggressive, agile, and able to stretch defenses in ways that change how opponents prepare. Forest often need a threat like that, someone who can turn pressure into space with a single run.
The key question is price. If Juventus are expecting anything close to what they paid RB Leipzig, Forest would be wise to stay away. If this becomes a loan with an option, or a structured deal that protects the club, it becomes much more attractive. Supporters also want clarity on the plan. Does Openda come in as a main striker, as a winger, or as part of a rotating front line? Forest can't afford such expensive confusion. They need a goal.