Dusan Vlahovic is set to leave Juventus after the breakdown of contract renewal discussions, confirming the end of a prolonged negotiation saga. Despite months of dialogue aimed at securing the striker’s future in Turin, both sides failed to find common ground, leading to the official collapse of talks earlier this week.
Unresolved disagreement over salary expectations
After spending four and a half years at the Allianz Stadium, Vlahovic and Juventus will now part ways. The forward’s current contract expires on June 30, and the two parties could not come to terms on an extension. The final discussions revealed a major divide between the Serbian international’s wage expectations and the financial terms proposed by the club’s management.
As reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport, Vlahovic was seeking a salary package of €8 million per season, along with substantial signing bonuses and agent commissions. Juventus CEO Comolli, however, stood firm on an offer of €6 million plus performance-related incentives, declining to meet the additional financial demands. With neither camp showing flexibility, negotiations have officially ended, paving the way for the star striker’s departure as a free agent.
Several major European clubs, including Chelsea, Newcastle United, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich, are believed to have expressed interest in the player’s services, though his next destination remains uncertain.
Spalletti frustrated by failed renewal
The collapse of contract talks is a significant setback for Juventus manager Luciano Spalletti, who has openly praised Vlahovic’s abilities. Spalletti, who has already seen potential signings like Bernardo Silva and Alisson slip away, considered the Serbian forward an essential part of his tactical blueprint. After Juventus’ win over Lecce last month, the coach reiterated the striker’s importance to his team’s attacking play.
“The absence of Vlahovic is something we felt every day,” Spalletti commented. “You can’t play football without someone of his physical presence and finishing ability. As for the renewal, I know the club made efforts to keep him and will continue trying, at least that’s what my directors have told me.”
However, despite Spalletti’s strong support, the financial realities of the situation forced the club to accept a different course of action.
An uneven spell in Turin
Vlahovic joined Juventus from Fiorentina in January 2022 for a fee of €70 million plus €10 million in bonuses, arriving as the club’s long-term replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo. His time in Turin, though, has been defined by fluctuating form. While he delivered moments of excellence, critics often cited a lack of consistent finishing typical of elite-level strikers. The contract renewal saga stretched over 18 months and spanned several management changes.
Initially, former sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli had considered selling Vlahovic in 2025 to avoid losing him for free. But under Comolli’s leadership and with Spalletti’s appointment, the focus shifted back to renewal, especially after Vlahovic rediscovered his scoring touch with four goals in his last four league outings. Unfortunately, a long-term injury sustained in November, combined with limited top-tier transfer interest, stalled any potential sale—culminating in the current impasse.
Juventus to rebuild attack
Vlahovic’s exit leaves a major gap in Juventus’ frontline, compelling the club to target at least two new strikers in the upcoming transfer window. The challenge is heightened as the technical team has already moved away from earlier options. Reports indicate that Spalletti has ruled out both Loïs Openda and Jonathan David, leaving the recruitment department with a demanding search for a new leading forward.
From a financial perspective, allowing Vlahovic’s contract to expire will relieve Juventus of more than €40 million in liabilities, providing the club with greater flexibility for reinvestment in the squad.
