Following rejections of Fenerbahce and Saudi Arabian offers, attention now shifts to AC Milan, who might be willing to cover half of Vlahovic`s salary.
Dusan Vlahovic is no longer part of Juventus` plans, with no apparent way to mend the relationship. The club still owes him one year on his contract, and the player`s presence weighs heavily on their balance sheet, costing nearly 20 million euros. Furthermore, he is set to receive a loyalty bonus that will increase his net salary from 8 to 12 million euros. Juventus aims to save as much as possible but acknowledges that a sacrifice will be necessary if he is sold, considering the bonus was included in his original contract (signed in January 2021) as a payment to his agent. While Vlahovic himself seems to have warmed to the idea of a move, the financial aspect remains a significant hurdle, potentially influencing his immediate decisions.
Player`s Stance
Currently, Juventus` number 9 is holding firm, showing no inclination to leave without assurances about his future. Rather than making a reluctant move, he appears prepared to see out his contract, even if it means reduced playing time compared to his expected status. The club is working to find a solution that minimizes financial losses. Vlahovic has made it clear he is not interested in exotic or second-tier destinations: he rejected an offer from Fenerbahce (reportedly 10 million euros per season for him and 30 million for Juventus) and promptly declined potential proposals from Saudi Arabia. The emerging theory is that an undisclosed club is ready to meet his demands but is unwilling to negotiate with Juventus at the current market valuation, at least not yet.
Video: AC Milan`s target Vlahovic – his connection with Allegri exists, but the Serb has limitations…
Potential Destinations
Any potential Italian destinations remain speculative until a club formally approaches Juventus with a concrete offer. AC Milan, Inter, or Napoli are the primary contenders, with other clubs less likely, given Vlahovic`s preference for only top Serie A teams. However, none of these interested parties have made their intentions clear yet, and it`s unlikely they will do so soon. AC Milan, while also considering other options, has shown the most interest, potentially willing to cover up to half of Vlahovic`s salary, starting from an 8 million euro base, excluding the bonus Juventus owes the player and his agent. Juventus, meanwhile, hopes to secure a better deal and continues to monitor other top European clubs, with Barcelona also among those who have reportedly shown interest in Vlahovic.
Contractual Conundrum
The current contract structure severely limits exit options for both the player and the club. Juventus has two main avenues: either sell Vlahovic (requiring offers around 25 million euros to avoid a capital loss) or loan him out (aiming to save on his annual cost). In the latter scenario, extending his contract by a year—perhaps with a favorable clause for the player—would be beneficial to reduce amortization. Currently, there`s limited room for such a cooperative dialogue, though a change in key personnel (Comolli replacing Giuntoli) might foster a more relaxed atmosphere. One thing is clear: Juventus must find the most economically viable solution for the Vlahovic situation, while the striker needs to optimize his situation and regain peak form to play a starring role in the season leading up to the World Cup. Terminating the contract appears unfeasible, as it would cost Juventus more than retaining and utilizing the player for his final year.
