Dusan Vlahovic delivered a masterclass return to Juventus action, scoring within eleven seconds of his first start in nearly six months against US Lecce. Yet his coy response about his future at the Turin club has intensified speculation over a summer departure, with Bayern Munich emerging as the Serbian striker's preferred next destination.
When pressed on his commitment to Juventus, Vlahovic offered only ambiguity. "My last two games for Juve? We'll see…" he said, deliberately avoiding any firm pledge. The 24-year-old's reluctance to commit comes after contract negotiations between player and club have reached an impasse. Juventus wants to reduce his €12 million net annual wage by half, a proposal Vlahovic has rejected. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the striker is banking on two elite European clubs to improve his terms in the transfer window—and Munich tops his wishlist.
Bayern's Pursuit and Financial Hurdles
Bayern's interest in Vlahovic dates back to his 2022 move to Turin, but a concrete bid remains uncertain. The Bavarian giants face a critical staffing decision: Nicolas Jackson, the Senegalese forward currently on loan from Chelsea, will depart after sporting director Max Eberl confirmed the club will not exercise its purchase clause. This creates a vacancy in the attack, yet Bayern's cost-cutting measures could hamper pursuit of Vlahovic's salary demands. The club is also tracking alternatives including Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United and Yan Diomande at RB Leipzig, both of whom would command substantial transfer fees unlike Vlahovic, who could arrive on a free transfer or reduced fee.
Despite lingering questions about his match fitness following a recent adductor injury, Vlahovic remains one of Europe's most coveted strikers. Juventus supporters chanted his name throughout the Lecce victory, signaling the affection he commands in Piedmont. Yet without a contract breakthrough, the Serie A club faces the prospect of losing a prized asset. Bayern's preference for the striker, combined with Barcelona's reported interest, means Vlahovic's next two matches could prove decisive in shaping transfer negotiations heading into the summer window.
