Following a dream return to the starting lineup, Bayern Munich’s reported transfer target Dusan Vlahovic has refrained from committing his future to Juventus Turin.
The striker, making his first start for the Old Lady in nearly six months, scored the winning goal just eleven seconds into the 1-0 victory over US Lecce. When questioned about his future at Juve, he offered a reserved response.
Vlahovic and Juve: Stalemate Over Salary?
«My last two games at Juve? Let’s see…», Vlahovic stated, deliberately avoiding a firm commitment. Despite this, the Serbian striker is highly valued by Turin’s supporters, who chanted his name during the match. There are indications that a departure is likely, even though the 26-year-old is reportedly comfortable in Piedmont, and the prospect of Champions League football next season with Serie A’s third-placed team would normally favor a stay.
However, according to consistent media reports, a crucial factor hindering contract renewal, which expires in the summer, is the salary. After five rounds of negotiations without a satisfactory outcome, a stalemate is said to have been reached between Juve and Vlahovic. While the Serbian goalscorer wishes to continue earning twelve million euros net annually, Turin reportedly wants to halve his yearly wage.
According to the typically well-informed Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, Vlahovic is playing for time. He is reportedly waiting to see if two other top clubs will present him with more lucrative offers in the summer. FC Bayern Munich and Barcelona have been repeatedly and intensely linked with him in the past.
Will Vlahovic Replace Jackson at FC Bayern?
Just a few days ago, Gazzetta dello Sport reported that the German record champions are even Vlahovic’s preferred destination. Speculation about Munich’s interest existed even around his signing for Juventus in early 2022. At Bayern, Vlahovic could potentially step into the role of backup for Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, as it’s highly probable that loanee Nicolas Jackson will depart, as recently emphasized by Sporting Director Max Eberl. The previously negotiated purchase option will in any case not be exercised.
Whether Bayern, in line with their ongoing plans for salary reductions, would meet Vlahovic’s alleged demands remains questionable. Nevertheless, the versatile Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United) and Jean Diomande (RB Leipzig) are considered preferred candidates for the offense, who would not be cheap and, unlike Vlahovic, would command a significant transfer fee. Furthermore, rumors about William Osula and Charles De Ketelaere have recently surfaced.
Moreover, despite his dream comeback, it remains uncertain about Vlahovic’s current physical condition. A persistent adductor injury forced him into an enforced break from late November to mid-March. Shortly thereafter, he was sidelined with calf problems. On the other hand, Vlahovic also scored Juve’s only goal in the 1-1 draw against Hellas Verona last matchday.
Dusan Vlahovic: Performance Data and Statistics at Juventus Turin This Season
| Appearances | 21 |
| Goals | 8 |
| Assists | 2 |
| Minutes Played | 1,010 |