Jonathan David on his way to Juventus: Canada’s star heads to Serie A

Verbal agreement in place: medical and signing scheduled

Canada’s all-time top scorer Jonathan David is set to join Juventus. According to Fabrizio Romano, a verbal agreement has been reached between the parties. The 25-year-old striker will travel to Turin on Friday to undergo medical tests before signing his contract.

Free transfer from Lille after contract expiry

David has played for Lille since 2020 and had already announced before the end of the season that he would not renew his contract. With the conclusion of the 2024–25 season, he became a free agent and will join Juventus, one of Italy’s most historic clubs, on a free transfer.

Prolific numbers in France: goals, assists and a title

During his time at Lille, David made 232 appearances in all competitions, scoring 109 goals and providing 30 assists—an impressive return. He scored 13 goals during the 2020–21 season, helping his team secure a historic Ligue 1 title. In the most recent season, 2024–25, he enjoyed one of the most productive periods of his career, scoring 25 goals and adding 12 assists in 49 matches.

Premier League clubs showed interest

Reports had linked David with Barcelona, Arsenal, and Chelsea as well. According to OneFootball, all three clubs monitored his departure from Lille and considered signing him. However, the Canadian star chose Juventus as his next destination.

Juventus builds North American presence

David’s move adds to Juventus’s growing North American influence. Following the arrivals of Weston McKennie and Timothy Weah from the United States, this signing from Canada enhances Juve’s reach in that market. On the other hand, this move has raised fresh questions about the future of Dušan Vlahović. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, there is a possibility that Vlahović could leave this summer, with several European clubs showing interest in the Serbian striker.

Tactical flexibility and attacking intelligence

Jonathan David fits the modern definition of a versatile striker—capable of integrating into various attacking systems. Although he began his career in Canada, his early move to Europe helped him grow technically and tactically. His most defining traits are his clinical finishing inside the box, impeccably timed runs behind the defence, and excellent goal sense. He is especially effective at exploiting space behind the backline and has made notable progress in avoiding offside traps. While he often finishes with a placed shot, he is also capable of striking the ball with power.

Multi-positional skillset and link-up play

David is comfortable using both feet in the box and doesn’t just act like a classic number nine. He can also play as a second striker or operate behind the front line, contributing in various attacking roles. He enjoys linking up with teammates in the build-up and contributes to the flow of the attack through his passing. This makes him not just a finisher but a well-rounded forward. His one-two combinations are particularly effective, allowing him to disrupt defensive lines by moving into the right spaces at the right time.

Movement, space creation and counter threat

David’s off-the-ball movement is another standout quality. He constantly shifts between defenders to evade marking and find pockets of space, and occasionally drifts wide to stretch the opposition. In this way, he plays not only as a scorer but also as a space-creator. His quick feet, agility, and sharp first touch make him a constant danger on the break. His suitability for counter-attacking football makes him ideal for teams built on organisation and quick transitions.

High pressing contribution

What’s more, his defensive contribution is notable. He applies pressure on opposing centre-backs and goalkeepers, working hard to keep the opposition pinned in their own half. With a strong fit for high-pressing systems, he contributes not just with goals but with defensive intensity as well.

Areas for development

However, there are areas that require improvement. At times, he struggles in one-on-one duels against physically stronger centre-backs. By increasing his upper-body strength and improving his ability to play with his back to goal, he could reach another level. Additionally, he occasionally shows inconsistency in ball control and first-touch quality under pressure. These issues could become especially noticeable in top-tier Champions League fixtures or in leagues with intense physicality.

Complete forward profile with room to grow

Jonathan David offers more than just goals — he contributes across all phases of the attack. Effective both inside and outside the penalty box, he could further elevate his game under Igor Tudor at a tactically disciplined club like Juventus. His consistency and attacking output at Lille already position him as a top-level forward. If he performs at a high level in Serie A, one of Europe’s toughest leagues, he could well enter the elite striker category.

A milestone move for David and Canadian football

David’s arrival marks a significant addition to Juventus’s ongoing rebuild, and it represents a significant milestone for Canadian football on the global stage. With the 2026 World Cup approaching, his performance at a top club could bring major benefits to both his country and his new team. For David, it’s the start of a new league, a new culture, and a new challenge.