Atlético Madrid have agreed a deal to sign Jonathan David from Juventus, with the Canadian striker set to move to the Spanish capital on an initial loan.
The agreement includes an option for Atlético to make the transfer permanent, bringing to a conclusion talks that developed rapidly during the closing stages of the summer window. Atlético had submitted an official proposal for David over the weekend, with the 26-year-old open to joining Diego Simeone’s side.
The move had initially depended on Juventus being able to reshape their own attacking options before sanctioning David’s departure. With the two clubs now reaching an agreement, the Canada international is set for a fresh start in La Liga after only one turbulent season in Turin.
The financial structure of the deal has helped make the loan possible, with Atlético expected to cover more than half of David’s salary during his spell in Madrid.
That was an important consideration for Juventus. David is among the club’s higher earners, with Italian reports putting his salary at around €6 million net per season. His Juventus contract runs until June 2030, meaning a straightforward permanent departure would have been more complicated to arrange at this stage of the window.
A loan therefore offered a practical solution for all parties. Atlético add another experienced forward without committing immediately to a permanent transfer, while Juventus reduce their wage commitment and retain the possibility of David leaving permanently if the option to buy is exercised.
David arrived at Juventus as a free agent from Lille in July 2025 after establishing himself as one of Ligue 1’s most reliable goalscorers. Juventus committed to a five-year contract, but his first campaign in Italian football did not develop as expected.
His situation became increasingly uncertain this summer, and Atlético emerged as the most attractive route out of Turin. The Spanish club had been exploring attacking reinforcements amid continued uncertainty around Julián Álvarez, and David gives Simeone another option capable of operating through the middle or combining with other forwards.
For David, the transfer offers an opportunity to rebuild momentum at a Champions League-level club rather than remain on the fringes at Juventus. Atlético, meanwhile, are taking a relatively controlled gamble: they gain a striker with a proven scoring record at his best while retaining the freedom to assess his impact before deciding whether to make the move permanent.
The immediate challenge for David will be adapting quickly to Simeone’s demands. If he can rediscover the sharp movement and finishing that made him such an effective forward in France, the loan could prove valuable for all parties.
