Manchester United could save millions of pounds in the transfer market by swooping for former Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic this summer. The 26-year-old is available on a free transfer after his contract in Turin expired earlier this summer.
United have reportedly placed Vlahovic on their transfer wishlist, along with Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins, as they consider revamping their forward line. The move depends on selling current striker Joshua Zirkzee, who has struggled for consistency since joining from Bologna two years ago.
Zirkzee's Uncertain Future
Zirkzee arrived at Old Trafford in a £36.5m transfer but has scored only nine goals since then. Several clubs, including Juventus, Roma and Como, are reportedly keen on signing the Dutchman, with all three pushing for a loan arrangement that includes either an obligation or option to buy. Despite United's preference for an outright sale, a move could materialise before the deadline.
If Zirkzee is sold, United could move for Vlahovic, who would not require a transfer fee. The Serbian striker has already been linked with several clubs, including Barcelona and Turkish side Besiktas.
Vlahovic's Situation
Besiktas director of sport Onder Ozer previously admitted: "Regarding Vlahovic, since the player is a free agent, the matter is in his hands. If he prefers one of the major five leagues, then Turkiye isn't one of them. If an opportunity does arise for Vlahovic, then of course we would want to evaluate it as a club." Ozer added: "He had the best season of his career with Vincenzo Italiano at Fiorentina and the coach still occasionally speaks with him. He has great respect for the coach. There is surely a desire to work with him again, but the priority for players isn't choosing a coach, it's choosing a contract. I imagine Vlahovic is expecting a big contract and a team competing in the Champions League."
High Praise from Prandelli
Former Fiorentina and Italy head coach Cesare Prandelli rated Vlahovic as "one of the best strikers in Europe." In an interview with Tuttosport in September, Prandelli said: "For me, he's a champion. I'd like him to score even more goals: he's one of the best strikers in Europe. But he shouldn't shy away from the attack: there's no point in asking him to link the play or contribute to the play."
Watkins Also on Radar
Watkins has been frequently linked with a move to Old Trafford, though Villa are anticipated to demand a substantial fee for the England international, especially following the sale of Morgan Rogers to Chelsea. At present, neither Vlahovic nor Watkins are being actively targeted while Zirkzee remains at the club. However, this could shift quickly should the former Bayern Munich and Bologna player edge closer to leaving.
