Vlahovic returns to Juventus with contract clock tickingDusan Vlahovic is back at Juventus, completing the final stages of rehabilitation, but his long term future remains unresolved as interest gathe...
Vlahovic returns to Juventus with contract clock ticking
Dusan Vlahovic is back at Juventus, completing the final stages of rehabilitation, but his long term future remains unresolved as interest gathers elsewhere, according to Football Italia.
The striker has returned to Turin after undergoing surgery in December and spending several weeks in Belgrade with a personal fitness coach. He will now work at Continassa with Juventus staff, aiming to be ready for the final two months of the season. A return to competitive action is not expected until March, and he is not yet training on the pitch.
Contract impasse shapes summer thinking
Vlahovic’s contract expires at the end of the campaign, and negotiations have stalled for months. He is reportedly open to staying in Turin, though that willingness does not extend to accepting a reduction on his €12m per season salary. That figure alone defines the market.
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Chelsea and Newcastle have recently sounded out his availability, while AC Milan remain interested. Milan’s position is more delicate, with Rafael Leao and Mike Maignan currently the club’s top earners on €7m per year, well short of Vlahovic’s demands.
Free transfer appeal and risk
The appeal of a free transfer is obvious, particularly for clubs seeking elite firepower without a transfer fee. Previous reports have also linked Bayern Munich and Barcelona to the situation, underlining the calibre of interest.
Yet there is caution too. Vlahovic is coming off surgery, returning late in the season and carrying a salary expectation that narrows his options. Juventus must decide whether compromise is possible or whether to accept his departure as part of a necessary reset.
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For Chelsea, the appeal of a proven striker arriving on a free is strong, particularly given the club’s recent struggles for consistent goals. However, concerns quickly surface around salary structure and durability. Chelsea supporters have seen how quickly wage inflation can distort a squad, and many would question whether committing €12m per year to a player returning from surgery fits a long term plan focused on sustainability.
For Newcastle fans, the reaction is more cautious optimism. A striker of Vlahovic’s profile would represent a statement of intent and elevate the club’s attacking options immediately. Yet there is also realism. Newcastle’s wage framework has been carefully managed, and breaking it for one signing carries risk. Supporters would want reassurance that fitness and motivation align with the club’s upward trajectory.
Across both fanbases, the same question lingers. Is this an opportunity too good to ignore, or a trap dressed as value? That uncertainty defines why Vlahovic’s summer will be so closely watched.
Category: General Sports
