Jonathan David (foto: //)
Jonathan David has joined Atletico Madrid on loan from Juventus, with the Spanish club securing an option to sign the Canadian permanently for €25m.
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Jonathan David has been allowed to revive his career in Spain. Atletico Madrid and Juventus have officially confirmed the Canadian striker's loan move to the Metropolitano.
Atletico have also negotiated an option to buy David for €25m at the end of the season. The 26-year-old remains under contract with Juventus until 2030, but his first campaign in Turin failed to meet expectations.
David arrived at Juventus on a free transfer following the expiration of his Lille contract. Expectations were high after his prolific years in France, but he managed only eight goals in 46 appearances for the Italian giants.
Atletico hope to rediscover the Lille version of David
His numbers at Lille explain why so many major European clubs had previously followed him. After joining the French side from Gent, David scored 109 goals and provided 31 assists in 232 appearances, establishing himself as one of Ligue 1's most reliable goalscorers.
Atletico are now betting that a change of environment can bring that version of David back. Diego Simeone gains another experienced option in an attacking department that already includes Julian Alvarez and Alexander Sorloth.
Interestingly, David already has excellent memories of his new home. His only previous away appearance at the Metropolitano came with Lille – and he scored twice against Atletico.
The stadium where he once impressed as an opponent will now be his home for at least one season. For David, La Liga represents a fresh start after a frustrating year in Italy.
If he can rediscover anything close to the form that produced 109 goals for Lille, Atletico's €25m purchase option could quickly begin to look like an attractive piece of business.