Juventus set to sign Dusan Vlahovic in landmark January deal

When Cristiano Ronaldo left Juventus in the summer of 2021, many fans remarked it came down to finance as much as performance. The Old Lady was bloated financially and had to find ways to cut costs and make some tough decisions to get their finances back on track. However, it looks like this might not have been the case after all. Juve are about to complete the controversial signing of Dusan Vlahovic from Fiorentina. Viola fans have long grown used (yet tired) of Juve signing their talent, homegrown or developed at the club from a young age.

Going back to the days of the likes of Roberto Baggio, Fiorentina have long seen their star talent plucked away just as the club starts to rise up the rankings. The fact that their star striker, who was expected to depart for England, will instead sign for their biggest rival is a huge blow to the fanbase. Indeed, some more radical elements of the fanbase have even pointed the finger at the club ownership, suggesting previous support for Juventus as a child has seen favourable deals for the likes of Vlahovic and Federico Chiesa head to Turin under their watch.

While somewhat conspiratorial, there is a growing unease around the Fiorentina fanbase. While good moves are made to bring in exciting players such as Jonathan Ikone, the constant leaving of star players on unfavourable terms for the club – especially to domestic rivals – has hampered the ability for Fiorentina to really develop into a club of continental standing once again.

For Juventus, though, this is a game-changing move that could see them back into contention not only for the UEFA Champions League spots but also for the Scudetto itself.

Will Vlahovic thrive in Turin?

You would have to assume so – ever since the player was given a proper run of games for Fiorentina, he has developed. His explosion came arguably in 2020, and since then the player has been steadily improving to the point where he is spoken about in the same breath as the likes of Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe.

The Serbian is a lethal striker, among the best natural finishers in the game with both feet and head. He’s a talented player with great technique, reliable work ethic off the ball, and immense physical power. In many ways, he ticks everything that Juventus need from a new forward. Mobility, prowess in front of goal, and physical strength.

For Juventus, though, the deal for Vlahovic also opens the door to try and convince fellow star Paulo Dybala to stick around. The Argentine is set to run out of contract in the summer of 2022, and talks have stalled to the point where both parties are no longer discussing a contract arrangement at present.

If Vlahovic settles as is expected, though, he could soon change the mind of Dybala and encourage him to stick around. Juventus have needed a star forward for some time now and, unfortunately for Fiorentina, it has come – once again – at their expense.