The relationship between Juventus and Dusan Vlahovic has taken a dramatic turn, leaving both parties in a precarious situation. Once considered a cornerstone of the club’s future, the Serbian striker now finds himself on the fringes of Thiago Motta’s project, a development that could prove costly for both player and club.
Gazzetta dello Sport report how Vlahovic’s last start for Juventus came on January 3rd in the Supercoppa Italiana semifinal loss to AC Milan. Since then, he has been conspicuously absent from the starting lineup, initially due to reported muscle fatigue. However, even after returning to fitness, Vlahovic has been relegated to the bench for three consecutive matches against Milan, Bruges, and Napoli.
The arrival of Randal Kolo Muani on loan further complicates matters. Rather than bringing in a complementary striker to partner with Vlahovic, Juventus opted for a player who could potentially replace him. This move, coupled with Motta’s apparent preference for a different style of forward, has left Vlahovic’s future at the club in doubt.
Adding to the on-field issues are contractual concerns. Vlahovic’s current deal expires in 2026, and there have been no discussions about an extension. The possibility of losing a player who cost €70 million for free is a scenario Juventus must address. The club now faces the challenge of devising an exit strategy that minimizes financial loss, unless a serious offer materializes in the final week of the January transfer window.
Despite his recent struggles, Vlahovic remains Juventus’ top scorer this season with 12 goals across all competitions. His form may have dipped in recent months, but his potential impact on the team cannot be overlooked. The arrival of Kolo Muani could serve as motivation for Vlahovic to prove his worth, both for Juventus and potential suitors.
History has shown that allowing valuable players to languish on the bench rarely benefits either party. The club risks diminishing the player’s value while also losing out on potential on-field contributions. A prime example is Robert Lewandowski’s final season at Borussia Dortmund, where the club’s decision to retain him despite an expiring contract paid dividends in terms of goals and Champions League qualification.
As the situation stands, neither Juventus nor Vlahovic stands to gain from this impasse. Finding a resolution that allows Vlahovic to contribute on the field while protecting the club’s financial interests should be a priority. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether this once-promising partnership can be salvaged or if a parting of ways is inevitable.
