A goal that sounds like a message to Massimiliano Allegri and to Milan. A goal to show that he hasn’t lost the “habit” and that he’s training well to be ready when called upon. Yesterday’s goal doesn’t change Dusan Vlahovic’s status as a “separated at home,” especially since it came in a friendly match between Juventus and Reggiana (Serie B), but still, it only took him two minutes and a couple of touches to score. Translated: he may no longer be at the center of the Bianconeri’s project, but he still knows how to do his job. The Rossoneri took note with satisfaction, and even though they didn’t need confirmation of the Serbian’s finishing ability, they surely smiled. Because Dusan is and remains the main candidate to complete Milan’s attack. Not the only name, but the one underlined in red on a list where Hojlund is climbing the ranks,
Boniface, Jackson, and Gonçalo Ramos could become interesting options depending on price and conditions, while Nunez, although appreciated, is considered out of reach due to Liverpool’s asking price (65 million euros).
At the very first opportunity of the season, the Serbian scored immediately, with a close-range deflection, quicker and more cunning than everyone else in finding the decisive touch in the scramble. A scene already seen many times in a Juventus shirt, but it could be one of the last showings. His contract is nearing its end (June 2026) and a divorce could materialize by the end of the month. “We’ve agreed with Dusan that if an offer arrives that satisfies both him and us, he will be able to leave the club. But right now, the offer doesn’t exist,” clarified Juve CEO Damien Comolli in recent days. So yesterday Igor Tudor started with Jonathan David in the starting lineup and used Vlahovic in the second half. Two mixed lineups of starters and reserves, although the hierarchy is quite clear at the moment: waiting for Randal Kolo Muani to return from PSG, the first-choice striker is the former Lille forward.
Vlahovic knows this, but he hasn’t stepped aside: he’s training with his usual professionalism and, against Reggiana, despite heavy legs, he showed it: goal for the temporary 2–1, nearly a brace (a header off the crossbar), also a free-kick attempt and a beautiful through ball for Yildiz. Valuable notes for Massimiliano Allegri, his mentor during his early years at Juventus. Dusan is waiting for the right moment, much like he does in the penalty area, but in the meantime, he keeps going as usual, and last night he flew with the team to Germany. The training camp in Germany will end on the 10th in Dortmund, unless the right call from Milan arrives first.
There are still pieces that need to fall into place, and in this chess match, the Rossoneri want to weigh every move. Because opening negotiations with Juve for the Serbian now or after the Bianconeri sign Kolo Muani is very different. At Casa Milan, they’re well aware of this, which is why they’re taking their time while keeping the channel open with both the player and the Bianconeri. Could a swap deal make the white smoke more likely? Perhaps, as it would help Juventus avoid a capital loss on Vlahovic (his amortization is around 20 million) and it would benefit Milan, who could monetize a departure. We’ll see whether the deal includes defender Thiaw, a midfielder (Bennacer or, less likely, Adli), or one of the players Allegri does not consider essential. One thing is certain: Vlahovic would need to reduce his salary, and significantly so. His current total salary of 12 million is unsustainable for Milan’s books, and both the striker and his entourage know it. They are aiming for 6–7 million fixed for the first year, plus bonuses. Possible? Milan is thinking about it, knowing that in terms of transfer fee, among the forwards being tracked, Dusan is the one who could be signed for the lowest price. However, even with a pay cut, his salary would still be high, basically at the level of Leao, who is the highest-paid in the dressing room. And that could spark a domino effect with other players demanding raises in their renewal negotiations, not only Maignan, whose deal expires in 2026, but also those under contract until 2027: Pulisic, Tomori, Thiaw, Loftus-Cheek, and Saelemaekers.
