In an uncertain scenario, where every club plan seems postponed to the near future or at least until achieving the Champions League objective, Cristiano Giuntoli has already scheduled three key meetings. These meetings concern the future of three important first-team players: Dusan Vlahovic, Weston McKennie, and Federico Gatti. These are significant assets to manage, especially if a painful sale becomes necessary to balance the books.
Vlahovic, revitalized by Tudor`s management after a downturn under the previous coach and recently contributing with two assists, has a contract expiring in June 2026. Giuntoli has already had a couple of discussions with the Serbian player`s representatives. Vlahovic is reportedly not keen on the idea of a salary reduction in exchange for a contract extension. Gatti, on the other hand, expects a salary adjustment. His contract, expiring in 2028, provides all parties with considerable flexibility.
Then there`s McKennie, who aims to establish himself at Juventus. He was surprised, though not distracted, by the recent betting scandal involving him. Under the new coach, he has started in all three games so far. A contract extension of another two or three years, potentially until 2028 or 2029, seems quite likely. With the World Cup in the USA on the horizon, a player like McKennie could become a symbol, also for commercial reasons.