Juventus is approaching a critical deadline regarding the future of Serbian striker Dušan Vlahović, with Turkish Süper Lig side Besiktas reportedly the only concrete alternative for the player. As the January transfer window enters its final days, the Bianconeri are under pressure to make a decision that could shape their season both on and off the pitch.
Vlahović, who joined Juve from Fiorentina in January 2022 for a fee of around €70 million, has struggled to consistently replicate his early Serie A form. This season, the 25-year-old has netted just 8 goals in 24 appearances across all competitions, falling behind younger talents like Kenan Yıldız in the pecking order under manager Thiago Motta.
The Growing Pressure to Sell
Juventus are keen to offload Vlahović this month to avoid losing him on a free transfer next summer when his contract expires. The club has set a tight deadline for negotiations, and with few clubs able to meet his wage demands, Besiktas has emerged as the frontrunner. The Turkish club, managed by former Juventus player Ole Gunnar Solskjær, is reportedly willing to offer a two-and-a-half-year deal worth around €4 million net per season.
Other potential suitors, including Premier League and La Liga sides, have shown little interest due to the player's inconsistent displays and high salary. Arsenal and Chelsea were linked earlier but have prioritized other targets. Meanwhile, a return to Fiorentina has been ruled out by the Italian club's management.
Why Besiktas Makes Sense
For Vlahović, a move to Besiktas could revive his career. The Istanbul giants have a history of revitalizing struggling forwards, providing a platform to rediscover form and confidence. Moreover, the Süper Lig offers a less intense environment than Serie A, which might benefit the striker psychologically. From Juventus's perspective, any fee—even a reduced one—is better than losing him for nothing. Besiktas is expected to offer a transfer fee in the region of €15-20 million, which would allow Juve to reinvest in other areas.
The Risk of Keeping Vlahović
If Juventus fail to sell Vlahović, they risk losing him for free in summer 2026. Additionally, his presence could disrupt the development of younger players like Yıldız and Nicolò Fagioli, who are seen as the club's future. The Old Lady is in a transitional phase, aiming to balance the books while building a competitive squad under new sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli.
What Next?
With the deadline approaching, all eyes are on Turin. If a deal with Besiktas materializes, it would mark a significant departure from the hype that surrounded Vlahović's arrival. However, for a club looking to rebuild, this could be a necessary step. As one source close to the negotiations put it, "The ball is in Vlahović's court." The Serbian must decide whether to accept Besiktas's proposal or stay and fight for his place at Juventus.
This saga mirrors that of South Korea howler gifts Mexico victory as World Cup co-hosts reach knockout phase, where individual errors or decisions can have far-reaching consequences. For Juventus, the Vlahović decision could define their season.
