Dusan Vlahovic: Barcelona’s Next €50m Star

FC Barcelona is on the lookout for a new striker to take over from Robert Lewandowski. They have set their sights on Dusan Vlahovic, a talented player whose contract with Juventus extends until 2026.

This strategic pursuit follows Barcelona’s impressive win in the Spanish Super Cup held in Saudi Arabia, where they first defeated Athletic Bilbao in the semi-finals and then triumphed over their long-time rivals, Real Madrid, in the final.

Assessing Vlahovic as Lewandowski’s Successor In their search for Lewandowski’s successor, FC Barcelona’s team, under the guidance of Hansi Flick, has explored various options, including Erling Haaland and Viktor Gyökeres.

However, Dusan Vlahovic, a 24-year-old Serbian forward currently with Juventus, remains a primary target. His potential transfer hinges on his salary expectations and his current standing at Juventus. While he is not officially on the market, a suitable offer could prompt a transfer.

Current Issues and Future Outlook

Vlahovic’s relationship with Juventus coach Thiago Motta seems to be strained, adding complexity to his situation.

Although he is not openly available for transfer, a strong offer could lead to his departure from Juventus.

The club might consider selling him to improve their financial situation and align with new management strategies, especially given Vlahovic’s contract, which allows for significant salary increases.

A Market Opportunity for Barcelona

For Vlahovic to leave Juventus, he needs a club that values him and integrates him into their plans. This necessity makes it crucial to assess his potential suitors. While salary is a factor, it is not the most decisive element in the European market dynamics.

The buzz surrounding Vlahovic hasn’t yet led to any solid negotiations. The last major effort to bring him on board was in the summer of 2023 when Chelsea expressed interest.

However, the proposed swap involving Romelu Lukaku fell through due to differing valuations. Currently, Dusan Vlahovic’s contract extends until 2026, making next summer critical as it will be just a year before it expires.

Recent interest from Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain hasn’t advanced, as both clubs are exploring other options.

Dilemmas in Thiago Motta’s Squad Vlahovic’s future at Juventus is still up in the air. Even though he is a skilled striker linked with top European teams, his compatibility with Thiago Motta’s squad is uncertain. Juventus may contemplate selling him to improve team dynamics and financial stability.

Barcelona’s Interest in Dusan Vlahovic

As reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport, Dusan Vlahovic represents a market opportunity that fits well with Barcelona’s strategic objectives.

While Juventus remains calm about the situation, they recognize Barcelona’s interest in potentially replacing Lewandowski with Vlahovic.

The next few months will be vital in deciding if Barcelona can land Vlahovic as their new star striker.