The Serbian striker has experienced a torrid time recently. Following the disappointment of missing out on competing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the 25-year-old suffered a high grade adductor injury and is sidelined until at least early March. Neymar has been linked as arriving as Vlahovic's replacement.
These setbacks will have knocked the Juventus hot-shot, with his injury against Cagliari deterring any potential suitors who had him lined up as a potential acquisition during the winter transfer window.
Barcelona had shown interest in Juve's shining star Kenan Yildiz as well as Vlahovic, with a summer swoop more appealing for the Turkish whizzy winger than Vlahovic.
Turkey international Yildiz has been in formidable form recently, although at Napoli struggled as a false no9 during arguably Juve's worse first half showing in decades. His performances have gone to a higher level, attracting a plethora of European giants in England, Germany and Spain to secure his signature,
Although Vlahovic will be a free agent in July, unless he pens a contract extension with the Bianconeri on a reduced salary, then teams such as Barcelona will only be interested if he can fulfil the scoring role expected of him with Juve between March and May.
Allegri, who wanted Vlahovic at Milan in the summer, is still pushing for the prolific forward to switch sides in order to be in the mix for silverware. Juve last won the Scudetto in 2020, and with their current lightweight squad are out of the equation to win Serie A or make much progress in the Champions League.
Tether bid could transform Juve's fortunes
Only a proposed takeover from cypro giants Tether would change things for the Bianconeri, as they would splash the cash on players and bring in a top notch head coach as long as UEFA don't penalize the club for Financial Fair Play (FFP).
Losing Vlahovic to a rival Italian side is far from ideal for Juventus, particularly as he has been their top scorer every season ever since he joined from Fiorentina in January 2022 and is about to his peak.
He has not been tested outside Serie A since moving to the Italian top tier, which makes his future in Europe a bit of a gamble. His steep salary demands and no guarantee of an immediate impact upfront may put some of the big clubs off. His unexpected injury is now a red flag, because European giants need players who offer physical reliability.
His age and profile ticked the boxes of a plethora of top teams before this injury. Rejuvenating his career outside of Italy is a risk and a tricky obstacle to convince clubs to fork out big bucks on his whopping annual wage of €12 million (US$14.1m).
Vlahovic's six appeal is a deterrent
Vlahovic's return is not reflected by his figures this season, having only bagged a modest six goals in 17 matches. This would surely have put off the likes of Barcelona, who are constrained by their financial situation, and German giants Bayern Munich who demand regular strikes from their attackers.
Any detailed reports, after monitoring Vlahovic's progress this campaign, will probably indicate that his contribution does not fit initial expectations despite his media status in Italy. He has never been a fan favorite with the Turin titans, so moving to Milan on a lower salary would have its advantages.
Some Premier League sides, such as Newcastle United, could have fancied taking a punt on Vlahovic before his significant injury. Yet his high salary demands and inconsistent scoring ability this term are stumbling blocks, leaving him to decide on whether to give the Saudi Pro League or Turkish Super Lig a whirl or remain in Serie A with either Juventus or Milan.