Juventus have officially extended Alvaro Morata’s loan spell till the end of the 21/22 season. The Spanish forward will now spend a second consecutive season out on loan in Turin.
The Bianconeri have paid Atletico Madrid €10 million for this extension. They paid the same amount to bring him over in the first place, which brings the total sum to €20 million. They will have the option to keep him permanently at the end of the 21/22 season, with the offer being priced at €30 million.
Despite his reputation as a misfiring forward, Morata had a very productive season. He scored 20 goals and provided 12 assists across 44 appearances in all competitions. He also lifted the Coppa Italia with Juventus to cap off the 20/21 season with something to show for.
A new dimension of his game that is often overlooked is his work rate, and his contributions defensively despite being a striker. His pressing is quick and aggressive, and he wins the ball back high up the pitch for Juventus as well as Spain. This has earned him a spot in Luis Enrique’s Euro 2020 squad, and he is yet to score in the competition having only made one appearance, against Sweden.
After his spell at Chelsea, Morata was loaned out to Atletico Madrid. While they made the loan deal permanent by paying a sum of 35 million to the London outfit, the arrival of Luis Suarez has driven out the need for Morata, with Joao Felix, Moussa Dembele and Angel Correa also present as attacking options.
Morata has benched Paulo Dybala in the starting lineup, and considering Max Allegri sees him as a part of his plans for the upcoming season, we could be looking at another good season from the 28-year-old.
