Dusan Vlahovic Poised to Decide Future Amid Declining Barcelona Interest
According to SPORT, Dusan Vlahovic is expected to finalize his decision regarding his future and end his status as a free agent.
The Serbian striker remains the most coveted free-agent forward available, with indications suggesting he may soon join the Turkish football league.
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However, Vlahovic has been waiting for offers from Barcelona, as well as Atletico Madrid, with his main aspiration being a move to LaLiga.
His financial demands have delayed several potential agreements, and he has been repeatedly offered to Barcelona.
Despite this, the sporting department under Deco appears to have decided against pursuing the striker.
Barcelona’s Hesitation Toward Vlahovic
Barcelona has approached the Vlahovic situation with significant caution. While the Serbian had garnered interest from the Blaugrana a few years ago, the club’s stance has now shifted.
Barcelona rules out the Vlahovic option. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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Xavi Hernandez had expressed interest in signing Vlahovic during his tenure, but securing his release from Juventus proved unattainable.
As last season concluded, Vlahovic proposed a transfer to Barcelona. However, the club sought a different profile in a striker and expressed concerns about his physical condition, which had sidelined him for extended periods.
Vlahovic has experienced two years of inconsistent play, leaving his current capabilities uncertain.
This uncertainty led Barcelona to only listen to his demands without proceeding further. The financial expectations set by Vlahovic were deemed excessive, preventing any negotiations from occurring.
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Barcelona Considers Alternative Striker Options
Barcelona is currently evaluating various profiles as potential alternatives if Julian Alvarez is not secured. However, it is evident that Vlahovic is unlikely to be among these options unless there is a significant turn of events.
Flick is looking for a different profile. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
The reasoning revolves around tactical preferences. Flick seeks a striker who offers increased mobility and teamwork, while Vlahovic’s style aligns more with that of a traditional finisher, reminiscent of Robert Lewandowski.
Besiktas’ Final Offer
The report indicates that Vlahovic has received a conclusive proposal from Besiktas, the club that originally approached him in late June. Following various offers to other clubs, they have opted to finalize negotiations.
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Besiktas has presented a two-year contract valued at €8 million net per season. Additionally, the Turkish club has enhanced both the signing bonus and performance-related incentives in the contract.
With bonuses and commissions, Vlahovic and his representatives could potentially earn more than €10 million.
Currently, it appears increasingly probable that Vlahovic’s future will be in Turkey, with Besiktas making its definitive offer while Barcelona shifts focus to other prospects.
According to SPORT, Dusan Vlahovic is expected to finally make a decision on his future and choose his next destination to bring an end to his free-agent status.
The Serbian is the most sought-after free-agent striker on the market, and everything points toward him eventually playing in Turkish football.
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However, the striker has been waiting for Barcelona, as well as Atletico Madrid, to make a move, because his biggest desire was to move to LaLiga.
His high demands have stalled several potential deals, and he has repeatedly been offered to Barcelona.
However, everything indicates that the sporting department led by Deco has ruled out the striker.
Why Barça has ruled out Vlahovic
Barcelona have always viewed the Vlahovic option with considerable caution. It is true that the Serbian was closely followed by the Blaugrana several years ago.
Barcelona rule out the Vlahovic option. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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Xavi Hernandez also pushed for his signing from the bench, although getting him out of Juventus at the time was impossible.
At the end of last season, Vlahovic offered himself to Barcelona. But Barça was looking for a different type of striker, and the club also had significant doubts about his physical condition, which had kept him out of action for many weeks.
In fact, Vlahovic has endured two years of very inconsistent performances, making his current level something of an unknown.
As such, Barcelona limited themselves to listening to the Serbian’s demands without ever taking the next step. The financial figures requested by Vlahovic were considered excessive, and the two sides never entered into negotiations.
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Flick wants a different type of No. 9
Barcelona are exploring interesting profiles as potential Plan B options if Julian Alvarez cannot be signed. However, everything now clearly points toward Vlahovic not being one of them, barring a major surprise.
Flick is looking for a different profile. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
The reason is largely tactical. Flick wants a striker with greater mobility and the ability to combine with his teammates. Vlahovic is more of a finisher, similar in profile to Robert Lewandowski.
Besiktas makes final move
According to the report, Vlahovic has received a final offer from Besiktas, the club that first contacted him in late June and has endured the striker being offered to several other clubs before deciding to bring negotiations to a close.
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Besiktas have offered him a two-year contract worth €8 million net per season. The Turkish club has also increased the signing bonus and the performance-related bonuses that would be included in the contract.
Between the signing bonus and commissions, Vlahovic and his representatives could receive more than €10 million.
For now, therefore, Vlahovic’s future appears increasingly likely to lie in Turkey, with Besiktas having made its final move while Barça continue to focus on other options.
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