Having signed from Juventus on a loan deal from Atletico Madrid, Alvaro Morata was seen as the ideal foil for Cristiano Ronaldo. A physically adept forward with ample running power and legs, Morata was a former Juve player who could fit the system and offer a robust physicality upfront. However, a relatively poor season in terms of return has left Juventus uncertain about continuing their association with the nomadic Spaniard.

The terms of the agreement stated that Juventus could buy him outright this summer for a set fee. Or, they could pay a portion of that fee to extend the loan for another season, and then complete the deal outright in the summer of 2022. However, with such poor return in general from the striker, it is likely that Juventus will look to find some way out of the transaction.

The player himself is keen to remain in Turin, having found happiness in his first spell with the club. Despite the chaos around the club and his own relative lack of production, though, Morata is keen to stick around. He is believed to love life in Italy, and is keen to see what next season holds as the Bianconeri go through a major squad rebuild.

However, with such little certainty about what happens next, Morata might find himself back at Atletico Madrid. With the Spanish giants already replacing him in the squad with Luis Suarez, it is unlikely they could find a proper position for him within the starting XI.

Therefore, Morata might find himself back on the transfer market. And having already played in Italy, Spain, and England, his next move has to be the perfect opportunity to try and get an ailing career back on track.

Where will Alvaro Morata play in 2021-22?

At the moment, it is unlikely to be Juventus. Their silence on taking up the purchase option, as well as the likelihood of missing out on UEFA Champions League football, shows a decision that neither player nor team wants to commit to. This could see some major changes arrive in the summer, with many exits – including that of Ronaldo – seen to be highly likely. Morata, though, might find himself being used as a makeweight by Atletico to try and complete another deal.

Having failed to settle the first time around in Madrid with Atletico, though, Los Colchoneros might find they have to compromise or simply make the most of a player whom they already own. For now, though, it is highly unlikely that Morata will return to Turin – at least in a full-time capacity. There is the chance of an extended loan for a small fee, though it would leave both clubs and the player in the same position in 2022.

For a player with such pedigree and a fine trophy haul, Morata has never truly settled in any one place in his career. With another transfer almost certain, that lack of continuity is sure to continue for at least one more year.