Morata returns to Juventus in deal potentially worth €55M

Alvaro Morata's career has come full circle.

Morata, who scored 27 goals for Juventus from 2014 to 2016, rejoined the Bianconeri on loan from Atletico Madrid on Tuesday for an initial €10-million fee, the club announced.

Juventus have the option to sign the Spanish striker permanently for an additional €45 million.

If the reigning Serie A champions choose not to make the deal permanent by the end of the season, they can extend the loan for another €10 million. The buyout clause would then drop to €35 million.

Juventus turned to Morata after giving up on a deal for Roma's Edin Dzeko. The Bosnian's move to Turin was reportedly on standby because Roma had yet to complete a move for Napoli's Arkadiusz Milik.

Morata began his career at Real Madrid but truly took off only upon joining Juventus in July 2014. He split time as a starter during his first two seasons in Italy and still managed to make an impact, scoring against Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, and Barcelona in the 2015-16 Champions League, as well as the winner in extra time of the 2016 Coppa Italia final versus AC Milan.

The 27-year-old's performances convinced Madrid to buy him back in June 2016 for €30 million. Despite playing second fiddle to Karim Benzema, Morata found the net 15 times, winning La Liga with Los Blancos and finishing ahead of Neymar in league scoring.

Morata then joined Chelsea in July 2017, reuniting with former mentor and Juventus manager Antonio Conte for a reported club-record €66 million.

However, Morata struggled to adapt to the Premier League. He scored just 16 goals in 47 league appearances and left for Atletico in January 2019.

Atletico are reportedly poised to sign Luis Suarez as Morata's replacement. The Uruguayan striker is expected to join Diego Simeone's side after terminating his contract with Barcelona.