Atlético de Madrid sign Jonathan David on loan from Juventus to challenge Julián | OneFootball

Atlético de Madrid have completed the late-window loan signing of 26-year-old Jonathan David from Juventus, adding direct competition for Julián Álvarez.

"I am happy to be here. It is a club with great ambition. The objective each season is to win a trophy," he told El Chiringuito.

The move was finalised once Juventus secured Newcastle striker Nick Woltemade on loan, which unlocked the green light and means the Italians will pay part of David’s wages.

Álvarez remains under scrutiny after a frustrated attempt to join Barcelona this summer, with Atlético closing the door on an exit despite his desire to play at the Spotify Camp Nou.

On the pitch, David is set to vie with Julián for a starting berth, and Simeone could at times use both in a 4-4-2. The pair are not considered incompatible, with Julián the more mobile forward and David more of a finisher than a link player.

David arrives in his prime. Last season he produced 8 goals and 5 assists in 46 appearances, while across five campaigns at Lille he registered 109 goals and 26 assists in 232 games.

His breakthrough came at Gent, where he tallied 37 goals and 14 assists in 83 matches before a €27 million switch to Lille. Now he must win Simeone’s trust and compete head to head with Julián to convince a support hungry for trophies.

Source: Superdeporte

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