The Bianconeri have temporarily freed themselves of two heavy salaries, but the risk is that in 2026, the Argentine and Brazilian could return to base if they do not meet the objectives set out in their contracts.

Almost $60 million in doubts. Juventus’ transfer market experienced a sudden acceleration in the last ten days of August, with big names coming in and going out. Yes, because the departures of Douglas Luiz and Nico Gonzalez allowed CEO Comolli to temporarily lighten the balance sheet and limit the damage of the investment in two players who failed to make their mark in Turin, but the risk is that 10 months later they could return to base. The doubts are represented by the transfer formula to Nottingham Forest and Atletico Madrid: loan with an obligation to buy “upon the occurrence of certain conditions during the season.” And the realization of this clause is not so obvious.

The simplest situation is certainly that of the former Aston Villa Brazilian, who has returned to the Premier League, to Nottingham Forest, on loan for €3 million with a conditional obligation to buy set at €25 million. However, for the permanent transfer to take effect, Douglas Luiz will have to play 15 games (of at least 45 minutes) in the ‘Garibaldi’ shirt. This is not a particularly difficult target for a player who played 50 out of 53 games for the Villans in 2023/24 and who will be playing in the Europa League as well as the league and domestic cups. However, there are still doubts, mainly related to two aspects: what will his physical condition be like after the four muscle injuries he suffered last season? And above all, after failing to click with either Thiago Motta or Tudor and remaining on the bench on two occasions out of two with Espirito Santo, will things change with Postecoglu (the new Nottingham Forest coach)? If the Brazilian’s performance mirrors that of his season at Juventus (just seven appearances of more than 45 minutes out of a total of 19), his return to Turin in the summer of 2026 would be inevitable.

Nico Gonzalez’s mandatory buyout clause—  Even more stringent, however, are the agreements with Atletico Madrid for the transfer of Nico Gonzalez. The Argentine joined the Colchoneros on loan for €1 million, with an obligation to buy set at €32 million. This is a considerable sum, equal to what Juve paid in the summer of 2024 to snatch him from Fiorentina, despite his disappointing season. However, for the clause for Atletico’s definitive acquisition to be triggered, Nico will need to play at least 21 games (always for a minimum of 45 minutes) out of the 35 La Liga games still scheduled this season. This will not be easy, as it means immediately becoming one of Simeone’s favorites and because, in the last two seasons, the Argentine winger has barely reached this milestone: 22 with Fiorentina in 2023/24 and 23 with the Bianconeri in the last championship. Juve is watching and keeping its fingers crossed.