Barcelona have taken a decisive step forward in the pursuit of Dušan Vlahović, cooling interest from Bayern Munich and AC Milan as they emerge as the frontrunners to sign the Juventus striker. According to reports from Gazzetta dello Sport, talks are advancing rapidly, with the Catalan club aiming to secure the Serbian forward after the World Cup and without a transfer fee.
Barcelona Take Control of the Negotiations
The transfer landscape has shifted unexpectedly in recent weeks. While Bayern and Milan remain attentive to the situation, their movements have slowed considerably, allowing Barcelona to gain a clear advantage in the race.
Vlahović is under contract with Juventus until June 2026, but negotiations over a renewal have stalled. Juventus are not prioritizing an extension, opening the door for the striker to leave on a free transfer next summer — a scenario Barcelona are eager to exploit.
Salary, Talks, and Player Preference
Sources close to the negotiations reveal that Vlahović’s representatives have already held multiple meetings with Barcelona’s hierarchy. The discussions have reportedly been positive, with confidence growing on both sides.
The proposed deal includes a salary of around €12 million per year net, reflecting Barcelona’s commitment to securing a long-term solution in attack. From the player’s perspective, Camp Nou is viewed as the ideal destination, both stylistically and strategically.
Vlahović believes Barcelona’s possession-based football suits his profile and sees himself as the natural successor to Robert Lewandowski, allowing for a smooth transition rather than an abrupt replacement. The club’s coaching staff reportedly share that view.
No January Move as Injury Delays Return
Despite the progress, a January transfer is not expected. Vlahović is still recovering from an adductor injury in his left thigh, and Juventus’ medical staff anticipate his return to full training only by mid-March.
As a result, all parties are focused on a longer-term plan rather than an immediate move.
Bayern and Milan Lose Momentum
Bayern Munich have made initial contact but remain cautious. Club officials are concerned that increased competition could inflate wages and signing bonuses beyond their preferred financial framework.
AC Milan, once seen as a serious contender toward the end of 2025, appear to have fallen behind, with attention shifting to other targets.
Timeline Toward a Free Transfer
Behind the scenes, several European clubs are expected to monitor the situation closely, leading to discreet negotiations throughout 2026. Barcelona, however, are pushing to finalize a pre-agreement before the World Cup, giving them a crucial head start.
If successful, the deal would allow Barcelona to land a high-profile striker without paying a transfer fee, though at the cost of a substantial salary package — a trade-off the club appears ready to accept.
