Juventus directors prepare for critical contract extension talks with Dusan Vlahovic
Reports indicate high-level negotiations involving the player's father, yet a potential pay cut and external interest from European giants complicate the renewal process.
Juventus are moving to formalise contract extension discussions with striker Dusan Vlahovic, with club directors scheduled to engage with the player's father in the coming days. These meetings represent a critical institutional attempt to bridge the widening gap between the club's retention strategy and the striker's reported desire for external opportunities.
While head coach Luciano Spalletti has actively advocated for the renewal of Vlahovic's deal, aligning with recent contract extensions for Weston McKennie and Manuel Locatelli, the financial terms remain a point of contention. Reports from Italian media outlets suggest that the proposed new agreement would require a salary reduction to €12m per season, a condition that has reportedly dampened the striker's enthusiasm for staying at the club.
The timing of these negotiations has been described as decisive, with conflicting reports from Tuttosport and Gazzetta dello Sport regarding the specific schedule. One source indicates the meeting with the player's father will occur this week, while another suggests it is planned for next week, following a Serie A fixture against Vlahovic's former club, Fiorentina. Despite these logistical details, the core objective remains securing a deal that runs until the end of the 2026 season, when the current contract is set to expire.
Complicating the club's position are indications that Vlahovic is actively seeking offers from major European institutions, specifically Bayern Munich and Barcelona. This external interest contrasts sharply with the club's efforts to retain the forward, who has only recently returned to the starting lineup after over five months of absence. His form has been positive, scoring in his last two appearances, including a goal against Lecce, yet his willingness to sign a reduced salary package remains uncertain.
The narrative surrounding these talks relies heavily on unverified reports from Italian sources, which highlight a disconnect between the Bianconeri's institutional needs and the player's personal ambitions. Until Juventus issues an official confirmation, the assertion that these meetings will be definitive remains speculative, particularly given the player's reported preference for the higher financial packages offered by his suitors.
Ultimately, the outcome of these negotiations will depend on whether the club can persuade Vlahovic to accept the financial adjustment required to extend his tenure. The pressure is now on the directors to reconcile their retention strategy with the player's market value and aspirations in a competitive transfer window.
