Jonathan David joins Atletico Madrid on loan from Juventus with €25M option
In brief
- Jonathan David completes deadline-day loan move to Atletico Madrid from Juventus on September 1, 2026
- Canadian striker becomes first player from his country to represent Atletico, wearing number 15
- Juventus subsidizes approximately €11 million of David's €11 million annual salary
- David scored 109 goals in 232 Lille appearances and 42 international goals for Canada
Addressing Atletico's Injury Crisis
Alexander Sorloth has been sidelined with injury, and questions have swirled around the future availability of Julián Álvarez, leaving Atletico thin at forward. The loan move addresses an urgent need without committing long-term capital. David has already passed his medical and been handed the number 15 shirt.
Proven Goalscorer on Favorable Terms
At Lille, David was nothing short of prolific: 109 goals and 31 assists across 232 appearances between 2020 and 2025. His first season in Serie A proved less productive. During his debut season in Serie A in 2025-26, David managed between 6 and 8 goals in approximately 46 appearances.
The deal's structure makes it particularly attractive for Atletico. Juventus is covering a significant chunk of David's salary, estimated at around €11 million gross per year. That kind of subsidy turns an already appealing loan into something close to a bargain for Atletico, who get a proven goalscorer without bearing the full cost of his wages or committing to a permanent transfer.
International Pedigree
He stands as Canada's all-time leading goalscorer with 42 goals for the national team. He punctuated that status by netting three times at the 2026 World Cup, underscoring his ability to perform under pressure on the sport's biggest stage.
