Vlahovic's Juventus Departure Is Sealed: Here Are the 6 Most Likely Clubs Fighting for His Signature

Dušan Vlahović's turbulent time at Juventus is set to end this summer following confirmation that the striker will leave on a free transfer.

The 26-year-old joined the Turin club in January 2022 and was expected to flourish with the Bianconeri, but despite posting decent scoring numbers, Vlahović never quite lived up to the enormous expectations that came with an $85 million price tag.

Juve's director of football strategy, Giorgio Chiellini, has disclosed that Vlahović's salary demands were the primary obstacle in contract extension talks, even suggesting that no Italian club could meet the striker's financial requirements.

Focus now shifts to what lies ahead for the Serbia international, whose absence from the World Cup could actually work in his favor during negotiations with potential suitors. Unsurprisingly, there will be no shortage of clubs interested in such a gifted free agent.

Here are the most likely destinations for Vlahović.

6. Liverpool

Having spent close to $200 million on new strikers last summer, it comes as something of a surprise that Liverpool may look to sign another center forward before the new season kicks off.

Alexander Isak's troubled first campaign means Liverpool cannot yet depend on the Premier League record signing, a concern made worse by a serious injury to Hugo Ekitiké—who may not return until 2027 after tearing his Achilles tendon.

Consequently, the Reds could be compelled to make additional moves, with the prospect of landing Vlahović on a free transfer being an appealing one. A reliable goalscorer capable of coping with the demands of the Premier League would be a valuable addition.

That said, given his hefty wage demands—reportedly around $178,000 per week—and the potentially short-term nature of Liverpool's striker concerns, Vlahović may not be the ideal solution.

5. Real Madrid

Real Madrid have been active in the defensive market ahead of José Mourinho's arrival, with Ibrahima Konaté and Denzel Dumfries expected to be announced as new recruits shortly. Attacking additions, however, are also on the agenda.

Madrid lack depth in quality center forward options beyond Kylian Mbappé, whose extraordinary goalscoring record has still not shielded him from criticism at the Bernabéu.

Endrick impressed during a loan spell at Lyon and is expected to play a key role under Mourinho, while Gonzalo García remains a relatively inexperienced and inconsistent product of the academy.

Vlahović would bring added experience and physicality to Madrid's attack, and it's no secret that the Spanish giants have a fondness for free transfer signings.

4. Barcelona

Barcelona are clearly in the market for attacking reinforcements this summer. Having already secured the signing of Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United, La Blaugrana are now directing their efforts toward Atlético Madrid star Julián Alvarez.

The Argentina international is their top priority to fill the void left by the departing Robert Lewandowski and will command a significant fee, making the idea of cutting costs elsewhere all the more appealing.

Should Barça opt to bring in yet another center forward, or if Ferran Torres moves on, Vlahović becomes an attractive option given that no transfer fee would be required.

Wages could pose a challenge for Barça, whose financial position remains precarious, but Vlahović is undeniably an interesting candidate.

3. Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich possess the most lethal and in-form No. 9 in world football, yet Harry Kane currently has no backup in Bavaria. That role was filled by Chelsea loanee Nicolas Jackson last season, but the Senegal international will not be making a permanent move.

Bayern must return to the market for a deputy to Kane, and Vlahović—who has netted 12 or more goals in each of the last four seasons at Juve—could represent a cost-effective answer to that need.

The Serbian forward is nowhere close to Kane's level in terms of technical ability, goalscoring instincts, or overall play, but he could prove a useful option when England's skipper requires a breather.

Vlahović would certainly be effective against lower-tier Bundesliga and Champions League opponents, as well as serving as an impactful substitute.

2. Manchester United

Securing Champions League football means Manchester United must swiftly strengthen their squad to handle the additional demands of European competition in 2026–27. Several positions need attention, with center forward among them.

Benjamin Šeško demonstrated his credentials as a dependable scorer in his first season and is expected to build on that next term. The 23-year-old is firmly regarded as United's striker of the present and future.

Nevertheless, with the underperforming Joshua Zirkzee likely heading for the exit, the Red Devils need someone capable of sharing the burden with Šeško, who missed matches through injury last season.

Vlahović would provide healthy competition without hindering Šeško's growth, helping United manage their domestic and European commitments effectively.

1. Chelsea

Xabi Alonso will anticipate strong backing in the summer window, and attacking reinforcements are a necessity for Chelsea's continued growth. Improvement in wide areas is needed, and another striker signing is also being considered, particularly with Liam Delap potentially on his way out following a difficult debut campaign.

João Pedro is clearly the first-choice option, but Alonso's 3-4-2-1 system—if he chooses to implement it at Stamford Bridge—could see the Brazilian shift into an attacking midfield role, creating an opening for a player like Vlahović.

Alonso preferred a physically imposing, powerful striker during his successful tenure at Bayer Leverkusen, whether it was Victor Boniface or Patrik Schick, and Vlahović could fill a comparable role as the focal point fed by creative players.

Chelsea have no difficulty meeting high wage demands and would benefit from the added experience Vlahović would bring to a relatively young squad.