Igor Tudor troops kicked off their FIFA Club World Cup campaign with a 5-0 triumph over UAE powerhouse Al-Ain FC, but could lose two of their scorers from that tie.
FC Porto’s Francisco Conceicao and Paris Saint-Germain’s Kolo Muani each bagged a brace. The duo had their loans extended specificially to compete in the cash-rich tournament, and repaid Tudor’s faith in starting the match.
Although Tudor had originally not wanted either loanee next term, there could be a U-turn.
Portuguese winger Conceicao has proved a handful for opponents since he was selected by Tudor, when Juve were depleted by injuries and suspensions.
French international Muani just keeps banging in the goals for Juventus, although it is up to his parent club PSG whether or not he can return to the Turin titans for a season-long loan. His recent form indicates that the Ligue 1 champions will prefer to cash in, with numerous admirers in the Premier League.
The Premier League is where center-forward Dusan Vlahovic yearns to play. The 25-year-old turned down Arsenal to switch from Fiorentina to Juve in January 2022.
Being given the highest Serie A salary, a staggering €12 million (US$13.8m) a year, may have had something to do with his decision.
Vlahovic’s contract with the Serie A side expires next June. As he is nowhere near as prolific as he was at Fiorentina, the club wish to either sell him before he becomes a free agent, or he has to accept a reduced annual wage of €8m (US$9.2m).
Three managers
The Serbia striker has competed under a trio of head coaches at Juventus, which have all produced various issues.
Under Max Allegri he was frequently questioned. Yet the recently installed AC Milan manager is keen for a reunion, although the salary on offer for Vlahovic is just €7m (US$8m).
Vlahovic began a promising start under Thiago Motta, who appreciated his physical presence and relentless runs. Once managers worked out Motta’s one-dimensional tactics, it started to become a frustrating time in front of goal for Vlahovic, who received very little service.
Transfer snubs
Ultimately Vlahovic was dropped and put on the winter transfer list. He snubbed bids from the Saudi Pro League and the Turkish Super Lig.
It looked promising when Tudor replaced Motta in late March as the new boss referred to Vlahovic as the best striker in Serie A, but things have never taken off for the Juventus no9.
The Club World Cup was meant to be his opportunity to showcase his skills in order to find a new club. Although there’s interest from AC Milan and Inter Milan, Vlahovic fancies a shot at the Premier League.
There’s been constant speculation about Vlahovic joining Arsenal, Aston Villa, Manchester United, Newcastle United or Nottingham Forest this summer. Yet the stumbling block appears to be his steep salary demands on top of a high transfer fee, so these clubs are exploring other options.
There could be a potential part-cash swap with a top tier English club. Old Trafford appears to be the most likely destination, as there are a plethora of Manchester United outcasts that need shifting this summer.
Keen Mourinho
Fenerbahce, coached by serial winner Jose Mourinho, have come closest to matching Vlahovic’s current annual salary at €10m (US$11.5m). Yet the marksmen is still stalling, and already turned down their offer during the winter transfer market.
Mourinho failed to win a trophy with the Istanbul giants, and steered them to the runner-up spot after failing to mount a significant challenge to Super Lig champions Galatasaray.
The Portuguese boss needs to fill the void from attackers Edin Dzeko and Dusan Tadic leaving at the end of last term, with Vlahovic's skills and physicality suited to the Turkish top-flight.
Juventus are also waiting playing a waiting game for Vlahovic to be moved on, then they can splash the cash on a proven scorer. Delays about his uncertain future could prove costly, as Juve may miss out on their prime targets.
Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres has been the club’s main target to fill his boots. While back-up striker is Jonathan David, a free agent at the end of June, who has been set a deadline of mid-July to decide if he wants to join Juventus.
Trump trip
Juve general manager Damien Comolli, who responded to US President Donald Trump’s query at The White House, wants to get the ball rolling ahead of next season. He has demanded discussions with Vlahovic to comprehend the player's short-term and long-term goals as well as his psychological state.
There is plenty of time to undertake talks while the club tackles the Club World Cup in the United States, with a decision over Vlahovic’s future expected before mid-July.
Juve are currently looking for an understudy to whoever leads the frontline next season, and will no doubt consult Vlahovic about his thoughts over Osasuna veteran Ante Budimir, Sassuolo’s Domenico Berardi, Udinese’s Lorenzo Lucca, Tottenham’s Mikey Moore and PSV Eindhoven’s Ricardo Pepi.