Dusan Vlahovic has reached a decisive crossroads in his Juventus career, with the coming weeks set to determine whether he remains the focal point of the Bianconeri attack or walks away on a free transfer at the end of his deal. Between his return to full training and a crucial round of talks over a new contract, the Serbian striker’s future in Turin hangs in the balance.
There are seasons that change the destiny of a club, and moments that can reshape an entire career. For Vlahovic, that moment is now. Juventus are preparing to sit down with his entourage to discuss an extension, conscious that the outcome will have a major impact on their sporting and financial planning.
Renewal talks: wage gap remains
Tuttosport report how, at the heart of the negotiation lies a clear economic issue. Vlahovic is asking to maintain his current overall earnings, adjusted only by reworking the hefty signing bonus agreed when he first joined the club. Juventus, however, are determined not to exceed their new internal salary cap of around 6 million euros per season, a limit effectively set after Kenan Yildiz’s renewal.
The gap between the parties is real, but not yet irreparable. Although he is now free to speak to other clubs, Vlahovic has put all external approaches on hold, giving priority to Juventus and signalling his willingness to find a solution in Turin. From the club’s perspective, moving closer to the player’s demands would mean avoiding a major outlay on the transfer market to replace a proven goalscorer.
Spalletti pushes for Vlahovic at the centre
On Luciano Spalletti’s side, there is no ambiguity: the coach wants Vlahovic at the heart of his project. The relationship between the two is strong and built on mutual respect, and Spalletti’s influence at Continassa is only expected to grow, especially if Juventus secure Champions League qualification and trigger his own contract extension.
It was no coincidence that Yildiz’s renewal was also unlocked with the coach’s backing, nor that symbolic players such as Weston McKennie have become central figures in this new Juventus cycle. For Spalletti, keeping Vlahovic is not just about goals; it is about continuity, identity and building a competitive spine for the future.
After Galatasaray and Roma, everything could change
The upcoming fixtures against Galatasaray in the Champions League play-off and Roma in Serie A will be decisive not only on the pitch but also in the boardroom. Securing at least fourth place remains the minimum objective to plan next season with clarity and to remove lingering market doubts.
In attack, Juventus are already reflecting on their options. The club are not expected to restart with Jonathan David or Lois Openda as long-term solutions, while Randal Kolo Muani is viewed as an attractive and financially viable option given the evolving conditions at Paris Saint-Germain. Even so, Vlahovic remains the most immediate and straightforward starting point: he has convinced in bursts rather than consistently, but still more than the alternatives.
In a season that often seemed on the brink of collapse, his story at Juventus may not be over yet.
Marriage of convenience or fresh start?
This is about more than figures on a contract. It is a strategic choice, a possible compromise after seasons of misunderstandings, injuries and fluctuating form. Sometimes, football “marriages” are saved out of necessity, only to rediscover strength and harmony over time.
For Vlahovic and Juventus, the moment of truth has arrived: either a pragmatic renewal that can become a new beginning, or a parting of ways that will reshape both the player’s career and the club’s long-term plans.
