Jonathan David joins Juventus on free, shaking up attack | OneFootball

Jonathan David has completed his move to Juventus, joining the club on a free transfer after the expiration of his contract with Lille. The deal was officially announced on July 4, 2025, with David signing a five-year contract that runs until June 30, 2030.

David, 25, arrives in Turin after a productive stint in Ligue 1. His final season at Lille saw him register 16 goals and 5 assists, continuing a run of consistent scoring. Over his time at Lille, David hit double figures in league goals every year, peaking at 24 in 2022/23 and finishing his spell in France with 146 goals and 45 assists across 315 senior appearances. His market value at the time of transfer was estimated at €45 million, though Juventus secured his services without a transfer fee. The club instead settled a significant agent commission reportedly close to €15 million. David's contract with Juventus is worth €6.5 million per season, rising to €7.5 million with performance-based bonuses.

For Juventus, the Canadian international offers a new layer of tactical flexibility to Thiago Motta’s squad. David has thrived both as a central striker and in supporting roles, making him a fit for Motta’s preferred 3-4-2-1 setup. His arrival ramps up competition in the attacking department, especially with players such as Dusan Vlahovic already in the mix.

The Juventus management, led by Director General Damien Comolli, played a hands-on role in securing the deal. The club identified David as a priority to strengthen their attack and reinforce their ambitions in both domestic and European competitions. David’s transfer has not gone unnoticed by supporters, either. Fans greeted him at the airport ahead of his medical at J Medical in Turin, underlining the sense of anticipation for his impact on the pitch.

From Lille’s perspective, the departure of their top scorer leaves a considerable gap. Having relied on David’s goal contribution over several seasons, the French club now faces the challenge of restructuring its attack without a transfer fee to reinvest.

In negotiation, David lowered his original wage demands to ensure the move went through, despite interest from other clubs. This provided Juventus a rare opportunity to sign a player with a proven track record at the top level without a transfer fee, though the deal’s structure means significant costs in terms of agent commissions and salary.

David’s addition to Juventus comes at an interesting point for the club. His ability to attack space, work in different roles, and produce goals at a steady rate could create new tactical options and possibly affect the futures of other strikers in the squad. For Lille, the focus will now shift to finding a new focal point for their attack as they move into the new season.

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