Juventus’ Argentine nearly joined Benfica, but Lukebakio prevailed | OneFootball

Before turning their attention to Dodi Lukebakio, Benfica had actually negotiated with Juventus for Nicolás González. According to the latest information, the 27-year-old Argentine international from the historic Italian club could have moved to Luz, but his high salary and the fact that he was not to Bruno Lage’s liking prevented the deal from happening.

“Nicolás González, the Argentine who was on his way out of Juventus, was seriously considered at Luz, as there was a possibility of securing him on loan. However, his characteristics did not fully convince Bruno Lage,” reports the newspaper Record in its Wednesday, September 3rd edition.

Beyond Nicolás González’s profile, the player’s high salary – around 3.5 million euros net per year, or almost 7 million gross – made any deal between Benfica and Juventus unfeasible, even though the football structure at the Luz club greatly appreciates the 27-year-old player.

Nicolás González would ultimately not stay with the historic Italian club, moving instead to Atlético Madrid in a deal that could reach 32 million euros depending on the achievement of certain objectives. Meanwhile, Benfica completed the signing of Dodi Lukebakio for 20 million euros.

Last season, playing for Juventus, Nicolás González – valued at 24 million euros – made 38 appearances: 26 in Serie A, six in the Champions League, three in the Club World Cup, two in the Coppa Italia, and one in the Super Cup. The winger scored five goals and provided four assists in 2,378 minutes.

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