Juventus are reportedly prepared to take the drastic step of offering to terminate the contract of their star striker Dušan Vlahović as they seek to alleviate the financial burden of his €12 million net annual salary, the highest in Serie A. The 25-year-old Serbian, who joined the Bianconeri in January 2022 for €80 million from Fiorentina, has one year left on his deal, set to expire in June 2026. With new manager Igor Tudor deeming Vlahović surplus to requirements and negotiations for a contract extension stalled, Juventus are exploring a mutual termination to free up funds and reshape their squad for the 2025-26 season.
🚨 Juventus are willing to terminate Dušan Vlahović’s contract in an attempt to get him off the wage bill.
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) July 10, 2025
Which means interested parties could get him on a free transfer.
(Source: @DiMarzio) pic.twitter.com/dcSvSub2dv
A Costly Investment Gone Awry
Vlahović’s arrival at Juventus was heralded as a coup, with the club viewing the then-22-year-old as the heir to their storied attacking lineage. His 58 goals in 145 appearances, including 17 in 44 games last season, demonstrate flashes of brilliance, but his inconsistent performances and recurring injury issues—particularly hamstring and thigh problems in 2022-23 and 2024-25—have fallen short of expectations for a player commanding such a hefty wage. Football Italia reports that Vlahović’s €24 million gross annual salary for the final year of his contract is deemed unsustainable under Juventus’ new financial strategy, led by sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli and general manager Damien Comolli.
The club’s attempts to renegotiate Vlahović’s contract have been fruitless. Juventus proposed a new deal until 2028 or 202 9 with a reduced salary of €8-10 million net per season, but Vlahović and his agent, Darko Ristic, have rejected offers as low as €8 million, insisting on at least €10 million annually. Juvefc.com notes that his refusal to accept a pay cut, combined with his lack of fit in Tudor’s tactical plans, has pushed Juventus to consider extreme measures.
Contract Termination: A Bold Move
According to Sky Italia’s Gianluca Di Marzio, Juventus are set to meet with Vlahović’s representatives in the coming days to propose a mutual contract termination, a move that would see the club pay a severance package—estimated at €24 million gross—to end his deal early. This would allow Juventus to remove his wages from their books immediately, avoiding the risk of losing him for free in 2026 while also resolving a growing dressing room issue. Footitalia.com suggests that this move is critical to free up space for incoming transfers, with Juventus in talks to secure Paris Saint-Germain’s Randal Kolo Muani and having already finalized a deal for Canadian striker Jonathan David.
Vlahović’s stance has complicated matters. La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that the striker is prepared to sit out the 2025-26 season to collect his full €12 million salary, banking on a lucrative free-agent move in 2026 when he could negotiate higher wages without a transfer fee. His rejection of a €20-25 million-per-year offer from Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli, advised by Ristic to prioritize competitive football, underscores his intent to remain in Europe.
Juventus’ Strategic Shift
Juventus’ willingness to terminate Vlahović’s contract is part of a broader cost-saving initiative. The arrival of Jonathan David and ongoing talks for Kolo Muani signal a shift towards a more financially sustainable squad, with Vlahović’s exit seen as crucial to unlocking further signings..
Tensions have also strained Vlahović’s relationship with the club. His liking of an Instagram post by Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham after a Club World Cup loss to Juventus fuelled speculation of discontent.
What Next?
Juventus’ readiness to terminate Dušan Vlahović’s contract marks a bold and costly attempt to resolve a financial and tactical dilemma. With his €12 million salary deemed unsustainable and no agreement on a pay cut, the Bianconeri are prepared to pay a €24 million severance to part ways, freeing up resources for new signings like Jonathan David and Randal Kolo Muani.
While Vlahović’s potential free-agent status has piqued the interest of Premier League clubs, his high wage demands and injury concerns pose challenges. As Juventus push for a leaner, more competitive squad under Igor Tudor, the coming days will be critical in determining whether Vlahović’s Juventus chapter ends with a payout or a prolonged standoff.