Atletico Madrid have confirmed the signing of Nicolas Gonzalez from Juventus. The deal comes a lot more expensive than advertised, despite seemingly being dead in the water over the weekend.
Los Rojiblancos announced a loan move for the 27-year-old Argentina international on Monday afternoon, following weeks of negotiations, with personal terms already agreed between Atletico and Gonzalez. Manager Diego Simeone was reportedly keen to add another attacking option that could play out wide and beat a defender.
However an announcement from Juventus very much spun the deal in a different light. Gonzalez’s initial loan deal will be worth just €1m, but if certain objectives are met, then an option to buy included in the agreement would become obligatory.
It is not yet clear what those objectives are, but they will have a major impact on the finances of the two clubs. If it is made obligatory, then Atletico will pay €32m to Juventus over the following three years for his services.
It was initially reported that Gonzalez’s arrival hinged on further departures from Atletico before he could be registered. That did not occur, with Nahuel Molina and Javi Galan both remaining at the club despite exit speculation. It is notable that as of yet, La Liga are yet to confirm that Atletico have been able to register Gonzalez, albeit there are a number of signings still being reviewed.
Gonzalez has played both on the right and the left at times, but tends to prefer the right side of midfield or attack. Thus far this season, Diego Simeone has opted for a 4-4-2 formation, and it seems Gonzalez will compete for a spot with Giuliano Simeone. Alex Baena and Thiago Almada look likely to operate off the other side.