Reports from Italy suggest that Nico Gonzalez, currently on loan from Juventus, has reached an understanding to extend his stay with Atletico Madrid through the 2026-27 season. However, the two clubs must quickly finalize a transfer fee, as Atletico can no longer activate their €32 million mandatory purchase clause.
Gonzalez has spent the 2025-26 season on loan at Atletico, who initially paid Juventus €1 million, with potential bonuses reaching €2 million, for the temporary move. The original agreement also included an option to buy for €32 million.
This €32 million obligation to buy clause is no longer enforceable. According to recent reports, Atletico would have been bound to permanently sign Nico Gonzalez had he played 45 minutes or more in 60% of the La Liga matches he was available for during the 2025-26 season. As he was still a Juventus player for the first three league games, he would have needed to feature for at least 45 minutes in 21 matches to meet this condition.
While Nico Gonzalez has appeared in 24 La Liga games this season, he has only completed 45 minutes or more in 16 of them. With only two league matches remaining and the player currently sidelined with a muscular injury, it is unlikely he will feature again this season, making the activation of the clause impossible.
Sources indicate that both Atletico Madrid and their coach, Diego Simeone, are keen to retain Nico Gonzalez beyond his current loan spell. However, they are unwilling to meet the original €32 million fee agreed upon last summer. It is understood that a new contract is being discussed, potentially running until the summer of 2031.
Reports also suggest that an agreement is in place between Gonzalez’s representatives and Atletico. Juventus, meanwhile, is eager to negotiate a sale as soon as possible. The Turin club needs to generate funds before June 30 to comply with UEFA financial regulations.
Juventus aims to avoid a capital loss on Nico Gonzalez, requiring a sale exceeding €20 million. While Atletico is reportedly hesitant to pay more than €30 million for the winger, who recently turned 28, there is optimism that a compromise can be reached, with a fee around €25 million being a potential middle ground.
