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SEVILLE, SPAIN – APRIL 18: Nicolas Gonzalez of Atletico de Madrid scores his team’s third penalty in the penalty shoot out during the Copa Del Rey Final match between Real Sociedad and Atletico de Madrid at Estadio de La Cartuja on April 18, 2026 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
Nicolas Gonzalez is expected to return to Juventus this summer, with Atletico Madrid unlikely to activate the clause that would make his move permanent.
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The winger joined Atletico on loan until June 2026 in a deal worth €1m, potentially rising with bonuses. The agreement also included an obligation to buy for €32m, payable in instalments, but only if certain conditions were met during the season.
One of those conditions relates to appearances, requiring Gonzalez to feature in at least 60% of matches for a minimum of 45 minutes.
Due to a combination of injuries and rotation, that threshold is now unlikely to be reached, as per TuttoMercatoWeb.
Atletico look for discount to sign Gonzalez permanently from Juventus
Despite this, Atletico remain satisfied with the player’s performances when available.
However, rather than triggering the original clause, the Spanish side are expected to explore the possibility of negotiating a lower fee.
Gonzalez had been one of Juventus’ most expensive acquisitions last summer, with the Bianconeri committing over €28m to secure him before deciding to send him out on loan. His departure made room for further attacking reinforcements, including Edon Zhegrova.
As it stands, the situation remains open, but a return to Turin appears the most likely outcome unless Atletico can reach a new agreement with Juventus in the coming months.
