Jonathan David’s start in Madrid is beginning to reshape Atlético’s plans, with the Canadian forward reportedly convincing the club to consider making his move from Juventus permanent.
David joined Atlético on loan from the Bianconeri and has made a sharp early impression in limited league minutes. Across six La Liga appearances, he has scored three times and supplied two assists in 251 minutes, a return that has exceeded expectations at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano.
A timely opening in Simeone’s attack
The forward has taken advantage of a period in which Julián Álvarez has been working his way towards full fitness and Alexander Sørloth has been unavailable through injury. Diego Simeone has handed David opportunities in those circumstances, and the 25-year-old has responded as a reliable focal point in Atlético’s attacking work.
His influence was again noted after Tuesday’s 2-0 Champions League victory over Manchester United at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, a match played in the second round of the league phase.
Simeone praised more than David’s finishing, pointing to qualities that he believes offer Atlético something different in the final third.
“David brings something we did not have,” the Atlético coach said. “He is a striker who naturally drifts to the right and does a great defensive job for the team.”
€25m option now under consideration
Atlético are therefore giving serious thought to activating the purchase clause agreed with Juventus when the loan was arranged. The option is set at €25 million.
For Juventus, David’s spell in Spain could become an important piece of their planning. For Atlético, the question is no longer simply whether he can cover absences in Simeone’s squad, but whether his early contribution merits a permanent role in the club’s next chapter.
