Atlético de Madrid want to keep Nico González, ask Juventus for a cut | OneFootball

Left empty-handed after losing the Copa del Rey final and the Champions League semifinals, Atlético de Madrid began shaping the squad for next season. With Diego Simeone’s continuity secured, the idea is to keep some of the team’s key names, such as Nicolás González. The Argentine winger, who arrived on loan from Juventus, earned an important place in Cholo’s plans, and the club’s board is already studying how to ensure he stays.

The loan deal signed in August 2025 included a purchase option worth around 32 million euros, although that figure could become an obligation if the attacker, who dreams of playing in the World Cup with the Argentina national team, met certain appearance-related targets. Now, Atlético believe there is room to renegotiate that amount with the Vecchia Signora.

One of the stipulated conditions stated that the purchase would be triggered automatically if he played more than 45 minutes in 21 of the remaining 35 matches from the time of his arrival. However, various physical issues complicated his continuity and ultimately kept him from reaching that target.

Since the muscle injury he suffered in January, González has only managed to play more than one half in five La Liga matches: against Levante, Rayo Vallecano, Getafe, Barcelona and Elche. The new physical issue that ruled him out of the clash with Villarreal confirmed that he will not reach the required minimum, as he finished the campaign with 16 matches under those conditions.

Beyond the physical setbacks, Nico became a regular alternative for Simeone, both on the flanks of the attack and in deeper roles. He even rolled up his sleeves to play at left-back, a versatility the coach considers essential within the team’s rotation.

According to Tuttosport, Juventus would be willing to revisit the financial agreement, although they want to include Johnny Cardoso in the negotiation along with a smaller cash sum. The American midfielder, however, is recovering after suffering a severe sprain in his right ankle with joint involvement, an injury that will keep him out of the 2026 World Cup.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.