109-goal striker medical & 5 year deal confirmed after Newcastle United scouting mission

Jonathan David has officially secured his next move, bringing an end to speculation surrounding his future following the expiration of his contract with Lille.

The 24-year-old striker, who netted 109 goals during his time in France, has now completed a medical in Turin and is set to sign a five-year contract with Juventus.

The Serie A giants moved swiftly to secure the Canadian international’s signature, beating out competition from several Premier League clubs.

Juventus’ deal for David comes shortly after completing the signing of Lloyd Kelly from Newcastle United, a transaction that offers an interesting contrast.

Newcastle acquired Kelly on a free transfer last summer, but his limited impact at St James’ Park meant the club was open to letting him leave.

Juventus capitalised and completed a £20 million move, which—given the minimal outlay from Newcastle—can be seen as a tidy piece of business for Eddie Howe’s side. Still, the Serie A club’s acquisition of David reflects a far more calculated and long-term investment.

Newcastle had closely monitored David’s performances throughout the 2024/25 season but ultimately chose not to pursue a deal. While the striker’s availability on a free transfer initially seemed appealing, deeper financial implications reportedly cooled Newcastle’s interest.

The term “free transfer” doesn’t always mean cost-free—especially when factoring in substantial wages, agent fees, and signing bonuses.

It’s understood that David was also seeking assurances of being first-choice at his next club, a condition Newcastle simply couldn’t guarantee given their current attacking setup.

Premier League rivals Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur also expressed interest in David but, like Newcastle, opted against entering into a bidding war.

Juventus, keen to bolster their front line and rebuild under new leadership, offered David the primary role he desired, prompting his decision to move to Italy.

At Newcastle, the search for attacking depth continues, especially following the expiration of Callum Wilson’s contract. While Alexander Isak remains the club’s undisputed lead striker, his recurring injury concerns have underlined the importance of adding a reliable second option.

Isak’s brilliant performances have never been in question, but the absence of serious competition over the past 18 months has made Newcastle vulnerable in his absence. The club is eager to avoid a similar situation going into the new campaign.

William Osula currently serves as Isak’s understudy, but with only one Premier League goal and no starts in the top flight, he remains untested at the highest level.

The coaching staff admire Osula’s potential and attitude, but relying solely on an emerging talent for squad rotation during a demanding season would be risky. This makes the pursuit of a seasoned, versatile forward a pressing priority for Eddie Howe and the recruitment team.

While missing out on David may disappoint some fans, it isn’t a major setback for Newcastle. The club’s recruitment model is based on value, versatility, and fit within the squad—not simply chasing marquee names.

David, while prolific in Ligue 1, would have demanded a wage package and playing assurances that Newcastle were not in a position to meet without compromising their long-term squad balance. In truth, any incoming forward will need to accept a secondary role to Isak unless injuries or rotation dictate otherwise.

Interestingly, David’s arrival at Juventus could open the door for movement involving Dusan Vlahović. The Serbian striker is entering the final year of his contract and has long been admired across Europe.

Although there have been tentative links with Newcastle in the past, such a move remains unlikely at this stage due to the financial outlay required and the presence of Isak as the club’s focal point in attack.

As pre-season looms, Newcastle’s focus remains on building a deeper, more resilient squad capable of challenging on multiple fronts.

Their measured approach in the transfer market resisting costly deals that don’t align with their strategic blueprint demonstrates a maturity that’s becoming the hallmark of the new era at St James’ Park.

The pursuit of attacking reinforcements continues, but the club is determined to secure quality that complements the existing core rather than disrupts it.