Juventus are already looking beyond Dusan Vlahovic, with the Serbian striker’s recent bench appearances hinting at an impending departure. As the club celebrates three years since Vlahovic’s arrival, plans for his exit are already in motion, with a separation expected between July and August.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Cristiano Giuntoli, Juventus’ sporting director, has set his sights on Victor Osimhen as the prime candidate to replace Vlahovic. Currently on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, Osimhen has been in stellar form, netting 17 goals in 21 appearances.
The Nigerian striker, who previously worked with Giuntoli at Napoli during their 2023 Scudetto-winning season, is seen as more than just a dream target. Juventus are prepared to trigger Osimhen’s €75 million release clause, valid only for clubs outside Italy. However, this means negotiations with Napoli will be necessary, adding complexity to the potential deal.
Osimhen’s future at Napoli seems uncertain, with both player and club apparently ready to part ways. For Juventus, he represents an ideal replacement for Vlahovic, potentially costing less in wages and benefiting from tax advantages under the Decreto Crescita.
The success of this ambitious plan hinges on several factors, including Vlahovic’s sale and Juventus qualifying for the next Champions League. These elements are crucial for financing the Osimhen acquisition.
In the meantime, Juventus has secured Randal Kolo Muani on loan from PSG. While a permanent move for the French striker seems unlikely due to PSG’s substantial investment, Juventus may explore the possibility of extending the loan for another season, potentially with a reasonable purchase option.
As Juventus prepares for a significant overhaul of its attacking lineup, with Arkadiusz Milik also expected to depart, the coming months will be critical in shaping the future of the club’s forward line.
