Manchester United are in the race to sign Dusan Vlahovic on a free in 2026
Manchester United needed a quality striker in the summer after Rasmus Hojlund’s horror show in the last season, as he ended with just four Premier League goals in the 2024/25 season. The Red Devils signed Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig for £73.7 million. The Dane wanted to stay at Old Trafford despite the signing of the Slovenian, but Ruben Amorim had made up his mind by then and kept him out of the squad at the start of the season.
The 22-year-old then departed for Napoli on a season-long loan, and the Serie A club will need to sign him permanently for £38 million next summer if they manage to qualify for the UEFA Champions League next season. It’s not an impossible task for Napoli to qualify for the Champions League, and hence, in all likelihood, Hojlund’s career at United is completely over. The Dane has also scored a goal against Fiorentina so far in the Serie A. Meanwhile, Joshua Zirkzee is a backup to Sesko, and there are talks about his future as well, as reports claimed that Juventus are keeping tabs on him. So, it won’t be unlikely if United look to onboard yet another striker next summer.
Talks for Dusan Vlahovic:
This brings us to the latest report on Juventus’ current striker Dusan Vlahovic. La Gazzetta dello Sport, as relayed by Football Italia, reports that Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Manchester United are keeping tabs on the situation of the Serbian striker, whose contract expires next summer. Barcelona need a replacement for Robert Lewandowski, and United need a replacement for Zirkzee, whom Juventus themselves eye as a replacement to departing Vlahovic. The 25-year-old has wage demands of €10m per season plus a €10m signing bonus, which will be on the mind of the Red Devils, despite the chance to get him for free.
Vlahovic will unlikely choose United over Barcelona
The Serbian has shown his brilliance in the Serie A, most notably during his time at Fiorentina. He also earned the Serie A Best Young Player award while playing for Fiorentina. The Serbian’s best qualities are his physicality, technique, clinical finishing in the box, and ability to hold up the ball and link play. The 25-year-old has also got a powerful shot and can even score from long range. However, Vlahovic has struggled with consistency at Turin, and he has had to face consistent injury issues. Moreover, there are concerns about the Serbian’s overall contribution to build-up play away from the penalty area.
United view him as a great replacement for Zirkzee on a free transfer. If he moves to Old Trafford, then Amorim will have two great options as a striker in the form of Sesko and Vlahovic. Juventus also reportedly offered their striker to the Red Devils this summer. However, Vlahovic’s high wages and long injury history will definitely make United think. Add to this, Barcelona’s interest is also a major obstacle to any possible deal.
The Serbian could be tempted to play for an elite club like Barcelona with the departure of Lewandowski, and under a successful manager like Hansi Flick. However, Vlahovic had reportedly desired to play in the Premier League, and if United can offer him Champions League football, then they can gain ground in the transfer. Ultimately, the decision will likely come down to factors beyond just the clubs’ interest, including the specific offers, playing time guarantees, and the player’s personal preference.