Nico and Atlético: What’s missing to trigger the buy obligation

Juventus are understandably hoping for support on the outgoing front, starting with the various loan deals currently scattered across Europe.

According to Tuttosport, the most significant potential departure remains Nico Gonzalez, whose move could generate a substantial financial return for the Bianconeri.

The Turin club have already received €1 million from Atlético Madrid for the initial loan, and they could collect an additional €32 million if certain conditions are met.

That would represent solid business considering Juventus invested €36 million in total two summers ago — €8 million for the loan and €28 million to sign him permanently from Fiorentina.

Nico Gonzalez Close to Permanent Atlético Switch

At Atlético, the Argentine winger quickly earned the trust of Diego Simeone, who deployed him as a starter in most La Liga fixtures before yet another muscle injury — sustained against Girona — sidelined him for a month.

Simeone’s faith in Nico Gonzalez has been based more on his contribution to the team’s build-up play than his goal-scoring output. So far, he has registered just one goal in 17 La Liga appearances. Now fully recovered, the former Fiorentina man is gradually being reintegrated into the squad.

For the transfer to become permanent, specific appearance-related conditions must be met. The agreement between Juventus and Atlético is structured as a paid loan with an option to buy that turns into an obligation if performance clauses are triggered.

Crucially, Gonzalez must feature in at least 60% of the season’s matches — meaning 21 appearances of at least 45 minutes each. At present, largely due to injury, he has reached 12 qualifying appearances out of 23 matches played this season.

To activate the mandatory purchase clause, Simeone would need to field him for at least 45 minutes in nine of the next 15 games — a target considered achievable given Atlético’s packed schedule across all competitions.

More Uncertainty Surrounding Douglas Luiz

There is greater uncertainty regarding Douglas Luiz. The Brazilian midfielder was loaned to Unai Emery’s Aston Villa with a purchase option set at €25 million, rather than an obligation.

Although Emery has started him in the club’s last two league fixtures, there is no automatic trigger clause attached to the deal, making his long-term future less predictable compared to González’s situation.

As highlighted by Tuttosport, much of Juventus’ financial planning for the coming months may hinge on how these loan situations unfold. 

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