Dusan Vlahovic
Dusan Vlahovic’s stock has been on an endlessly increasing upsurge since he burst onto the scene as a teenager with Fiorentina in 2019.
The Serbian hitman scored 21 times in Serie A for La Viola last term and has only increased his proficiency in front of goal in 2021/22. Through 17 matchdays, Vlahovic has scored a league-high 15 times.
The 21-year-old epitomises the cliché term of a ‘natural born goalscorer’; already mastering the art of penalty box poaching. His movement inside the penalty area persistently creates higher-quality opportunities, with his technique and impressive ball-striking allowing him to score an array of goals.
Vlahovic is, as former Premier League manager Harry Redknapp would say, heading right to the very top, and whoever can snatch him next year will be a very fortunate club. The Serb may not boast the demonic stride of Erling Braut Haaland, nor the electricity of Kylian Mbappe, but he’s just as efficient.
The striker is atop Juventus’ list when it comes to transfer targets, but it’ll be a battle with Fiorentina in negotiations, that’s for sure. La Viola, however, have little leverage after Vlahovic rejected an extension of his current contract which expires in 2023. Fiorentina want to garner as much as they can for their most prized asset, and they may be forced to sell to Juventus should they stump up the requisite cash. There are alternate possibilities for Vlahovic, including several clubs from the Premier League, but the player is reportedly keen on a move to Turin.
Juventus are in desperate need of a reliable goalscorer following Cristiano Ronaldo’s stunning exit. Alvaro Morata is as reliable as Pep Guardiola on a big European night, Moise Kean lacks refinement, while Kaio Jorge is the very definition of “one for the future”.
Should Juve snag Vlahovic next year, he has the potential to be their leading forward for the next decade.
Check out FBRef’s full scouting report of Dusan Vlahovic here.