Dusan Vlahovic's future at Juventus remains uncertain, with the Serbian striker refusing both a transfer and a contract extension, raising the possibility of being excluded from the first-team squad.
According to reports, Vlahovic set his plan in motion a year ago: to stay at Juventus until his contract expires in 2026 and then leave as a free agent, aiming to secure a high-profile contract matching his current earnings. He has not wavered from this strategy. Tensions between the club and the forward have reached a breaking point, with little room for reconciliation. Sources close to the player reveal he has been "emotionally gloomy and nervous" in recent days, yet remains unflinching in his resolve.
Vlahovic has told friends he will "absolutely not leave this summer, no matter the cost." He recently rejected an offer from Fenerbahçe, and despite José Mourinho’s relentless pursuit to sign him for Roma, no other proposals have piqued his interest. The crux of the issue lies in his extravagant contract: signed with escalating after-tax wages, his salary rises from €7.5 million to €12 million by the 2025/26 season. His underwhelming performances in recent campaigns, coupled with this financial burden, have dissuaded clubs from making a serious bid.
Juventus sporting director Antonello Comolli has not met with Vlahovic’s agent, and persuading the striker to accept a pay cut or transfer seems impossible. If Vlahovic persists, Juve may follow the playbook used with Federico Chiesa last year—excluding him from match squads.
Adding urgency, Juve are in advanced talks to sign Jonathan David on a free transfer, pending final agreements. However, retaining Vlahovic would complicate matters: the club cannot realistically afford three high-earning forwards alongside Randal Kolo Muani and David. While Vlahovic appears unbothered by the standoff, Juventus are under pressure to resolve the impasse swiftly.
