Juventus is actively pursuing the signing of Pavel Šulc, the Czech attacking midfielder, but the price asked by OL – around 50 million euros – could slow down negotiations. In this context, the Lyon club plans to take advantage of Turin's interest to secure the presence of Loïs Openda permanently.
Since the start of the transfer window, Juventus has been considered the most advanced suitor for Šulc, alongside AstonVilla and Atlético de Madrid. The Lyon club, for its part, is demanding a significant sum to sell its Belgian striker, who is playing in Lyon on loan from Juventus without a purchase option. This situation creates a buyout opportunity for Lyon, but it also imposes a high cost on Juventus, who seek to lower the demands of the Vienna club.
The scenario proposed by journalist EkremKonur consists of using Openda as negotiating leverage. Juventus could offer an exchange including the Belgian striker in return for a reduction in the asking price for Šulc. Thus, Lyon would benefit from a reduction in the sum required, while Juventus would reduce the immediate cost of acquiring Šulc. At the same time, the Lyon club could consider keeping Openda in the long term, if Juventus agrees to return him without a purchase option.
This formula would allow both parties to achieve their objectives: Juventus would obtain their attacking midfielder without paying the full 50 million, and OL would consolidate their center forward by negotiating a permanent transfer. Discussions remain to be established, but Juventus' interest in Šulc and Lyon's desire to keep Openda open the door to a structured operation.
Currently, Juventus are leading the race for Šulc, while OL look to maximize the value of their player while assessing the cost of a permanent move from Openda. The next steps will depend on the concrete proposals and the ability of the two clubs to find an acceptable financial compromise.