Sometimes no photos, no stories or posts with the number 9 as a caption, nothing at all.
Dusan Vlahovic played less than half an hour in the friendly against Borussia Dortmund and left no trace on social media. On the pitch, however, he did, provoking the fans’ anger, partly for losing a few balls, but mostly for that awful shot in stoppage time, which ended up miles away from Kobel’s goal. It felt like the closing credits of a story that is practically already over, kept alive only by a contract that expires in a year and to which the Serbian intends to cling.
“I’m staying until the contract runs out,” he is said to have told the club bluntly, reiterating that he has no intention of moving this summer even though Igor Tudor has made him a second-choice option, and he could even drop to third once the club finalises the permanent signing of Randal Kolo Muani.
“You’re no longer part of the project” was the message the club sent him, also via his agent, sidelining him and trying to push him toward the exit, especially with the arrival of Jonathan David, a number 9 in practice (though the actual shirt number still belongs to Dusan).
Vlahovic, however, isn’t giving in, even if it means spending more time on the bench than on the pitch, definitively alienating a fan base that three and a half years ago welcomed him as an idol but with whom relations have soured recently, and risking losing his place in the national team in a World Cup year.
It’s a standoff that benefits no one and stalls Juventus’ transfer market, forcing them to sell before they can invest. The club is slowly resigning itself to the idea of keeping him and raising funds by selling other players.
Few offers, mostly rejections
How far off are the days when DV9 swore eternal love to his lady. "I’m happy at Juventus, we’re already talking about a renewal," the Serbian told La Gazzetta dello Sport in a long interview in December 2023. Back then, Massimiliano Allegri was still on the bench, the coach who has now returned to Milan and keeps casting him an admiring glance.
So far, Vlahovic has said no to Mourinho’s Fenerbahce, to Saudi Arabia, and to any other destination. There have been no major offers, and the few that did arrive were deemed beneath his level.
Deadlock
His intention is not to renew, Juventus tried to offer him an extension with a pay cut, but the player refuses to give up the €12 million net he is due to earn in 2025–26, thanks to an escalating contract signed in January 2022 under the old management, when CEO Maurizio Arrivabene was still in charge. He plans to leave for free.
The danger is that this is exactly how it will end, because €12 million is too much for Juventus and for other clubs, especially after a lacklustre season. Even Milan wouldn’t tempt him to lower his salary, not even for Allegri. There’s no chance Juventus will subsidise his wages to strengthen a direct rival, nor will they let him go for a token fee. Without an adequate offer, meaning no less than €20 million, roughly his remaining book value. Juventus will keep him, but it will be a long, uphill season for him.
Meanwhile, the Bianconeri will have to raise money elsewhere: from Miretti to Savona, from Douglas Luiz to Nico Gonzalez and Kelly, there are plenty of potential departures, but so far nothing has moved, and until it does, the club can’t invest.
Source: La Gazzetta dello Sport
