As the season draws to a close, the future of Dusan Vlahovic at Juventus appears increasingly uncertain. The Serbian striker, once the club’s marquee signing and highest-paid player, is now at the centre of transfer speculation, with his time in Turin seemingly nearing its end.
The Financial Dilemma
Vlahovic’s contract, which will see his annual net salary rise from €10.5 million to €12 million starting July 1, has become a significant burden for Juventus. The club’s current leadership considers this wage unsustainable, especially as negotiations with his agent, Darko Ristic, have stalled with no willingness to reduce the terms. With the club’s cost-cutting policies and a new wage structure in place, Juventus is no longer prepared to accommodate such a high salary.
A Season of Struggles
This season has been challenging for Vlahovic, marked by injuries and inconsistent form. He has found himself side-lined and, at times, out of favour, particularly after the arrival of Randal Kolo Muani, who quickly established himself as the first-choice striker. Vlahovic’s last goal dates back several matches, and he has struggled to make a significant impact under the new coaching regime. Despite being the team’s top scorer, his performances have not matched expectations, further fueling doubts about his future.
Transfer Market Scenarios
La Gazzetta dello Sport (via TuttoJuve) report how Juventus sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli has openly acknowledged the possibility of Vlahovic’s departure, a shift from the club’s previous cautious statements. The Premier League, especially Newcastle and Arsenal, have emerged as the most likely destinations, given their financial strength and need for a striker. There is also interest from Turkey, a market that has become increasingly ambitious and could offer a lucrative escape route.
Arsenal, in particular, have rekindled their interest in Vlahovic, having missed out on him in 2022. With Juventus eager to offload his wages and recoup part of their investment, a transfer fee in the region of €40-50 million is being discussed. Other top European clubs, including those in Germany and Spain, are monitoring the situation, but the Premier League remains the most probable landing spot.
