Atletico Madrid pipped Premier League newcomers to secure the signature of right winger Nicolas Gonzalez for a season-long loan of the 27-year-old from Juventus.
He was a deadline day signing for the Spanish giants, who forked out just €1 million (US$1.2m) to tackle La Liga this term with an obligation to buy if conditions are met during the campaign.
Gonzalez's loan was finalized while Juventus were playing against Genoa, with the versatile player aware that he could be joining Atletico. His deal was linked to a potential move of bringing in German-born Kosovo international Edon Zhegrova from LOSC Lille as Gonzalez's ready-made replacement.
Argentina international Gonzalez has taken to life in the Spanish top tier like a duck to water, superbly fitting into Atletico's squad to provide a competitive edge. While Zhegrova only made his first start for Juventus in last week's Champions League triumph over Cypriot champions Pafos.
The last time that Zhegrova started was for the 1-1 Ligue 1 stalemate against Olympique Marseille in December 2024, when he suffered a hip adductor injury.
Gonzalez is contributing at both ends of the pitch for Atletico, and offers width in attack that suits head coach Diego Simeone's tactical approach.
Simeone has been reliant on Juve's discarded player throughout the first third of the Spanish season, which has resulted in Gonzalez establishing himself as a crucial cog with his natural
ability to adapt to various offensive roles.
Atletico's deal with conditions
Although Juve's unwanted ace has made a positive impact, reaching certain conditions laid down by Juventus are getting closer. His contractual situation is a concern to Atletico for economical reasons.
Juve's clause in their agreement with Atletico means that a purchase will become mandatory if Gonzalez plays at least 45 minutes in 10 of their remaining 21 La Liga matches.
These conditions, and a high transfer fee, seem favorable to the Bianconeri for a player who only joined the Turin titans the previous summer from Fiorentina on a season-long loan with an obligation to buy.
Juventus stipulated a potential deal costing €32m (US$37.6m) for a player who can be utilized on either flank or as a makeshift center forward.
While Atletico need to contemplate whether Gonzalez's impressive performance justifies this investment figure, Juventus appear to be in a win-win situation.
La Liga or Serie A for Gonzalez
With only two recognized fit strikers available for Juve boss Luciano Spalletti, a return to Turin in January would suit the Bianconeri. While the club are optimistic of selling him, as he fell out of favor under former manager Igor Tudor and played a bit part at the FIFA Club World Cup last summer.
The Bianconeri paid €28.1m (US$33m) on 1 July, but as he was not part of Tudor’s plans to tackle the Italian top tier and Champions League they searched for suitors.
Gonzalez had been highly regarded by ex-Juventus head coach Thiago Motta, but once Tudor came in then the Argentinian swiftly slipped down the pecking order.
He obviously wants to compete in next year's World Cup final, and competing regularly for a European giant puts Gonzalez into the spotlight. There's no point warming the bench in Spain if Atletico wish to avoid signing him on a permanent basis, so an early return to the Italian top flight would be welcomed by all parties.