Serbian striker signals willingness to stay in Turin, but a pay cut will be key to any new deal
Juventus and Dusan Vlahovic are talking again — and this time, there’s real substance behind the conversation.
After months of uncertainty and speculation linking the Serbian striker to clubs across Europe, the first meaningful contact between the two sides has taken place at Continassa. It doesn’t guarantee a renewal, but it reopens a door that seemed nearly shut at the end of the summer.
A Meeting That Changes the Tone
The discussion happened before Juventus’ recent league trip to Rome. Vlahovic, accompanied by his father Milos, met with club executives including CEO Damien Comolli and club legend-turned-director Giorgio Chiellini.
The timing wasn’t accidental. The 26-year-old forward is nearing a return to full training after more than three months sidelined, and his gradual reintegration into Luciano Spalletti’s squad created the opportunity for his entourage to fly into Turin and explore the future.
Vlahovic’s current deal runs through June 2026. While that might seem distant, Juventus cannot afford to let the situation drift much longer. What makes this round of talks different is the striker’s message: he has not committed to any other club and remains open to staying in black and white.
That alone represents a shift.
Over the past year, rumors connected him to Barcelona, Milan, and Bayern Munich. Now, the player himself has reassured Juventus that no pre-agreement exists elsewhere.
For a club building toward stability under Spalletti, that’s significant.
The Financial Puzzle
The biggest obstacle is financial.
Vlahovic is currently set to earn €12 million in the 2025–26 season, a figure that places him among Serie A’s highest-paid players. Juventus, in the midst of a more sustainable financial strategy, are not prepared to continue at those levels.
The framework being discussed is closer to €7 million per season — similar to the recently extended deal signed by rising star Kenan Yildiz. For Juventus, any renewal must reflect a more balanced wage structure.
In other words: if Vlahovic wants to stay, the numbers have to come down — significantly.
Still, there’s room to negotiate. The club values him, and Spalletti continues to see him as central to the sporting project. Juventus are planning attacking reinforcements in the summer, especially with Lois Openda expected to depart, but keeping a proven Serie A striker could be both the safest and most cost-effective solution.
Back in the Picture
Vlahovic hasn’t been a distant figure during his injury layoff. He’s been present on the sidelines at the Allianz Stadium, celebrating goals and supporting teammates.
There’s a chance he could even make the squad list for Saturday’s match against Pisa — not necessarily to play, but to reconnect with matchday rhythm. A more realistic target for his competitive return could be the mid-March fixture in Udine, where Spalletti is expected to ease him back carefully.
The timing matters. Juventus are entering a crucial stretch in the race for Champions League qualification, and having Vlahovic available could be decisive.
Spalletti’s Role in the Project
Behind the scenes, there’s another renewal nearing completion.
Juventus head coach Luciano Spalletti, who initially signed an eight-month agreement when he arrived on October 30, is expected to extend his contract through 2028. A handshake agreement could arrive by mid-March, with the only remaining question being whether it’s a two-year extension or a shorter-term arrangement.
For Spalletti, keeping Vlahovic — after securing renewals for Yildiz and Weston McKennie — would send a strong message of continuity. The club and coach appear aligned on their summer market strategy and the broader vision for the next phase of Juventus’ rebuild.
What Happens Next?
The next step will be a formal sit-down to discuss numbers in detail. The sporting will is there. The emotional connection hasn’t disappeared.
But everything hinges on economics.
Vlahovic arrived in Turin in January 2022 and still views Juventus as a priority. Whether that priority translates into a long-term commitment depends on one simple factor: how much he’s willing to adjust his salary expectations.
Another chapter in this story is coming soon.
