Juventus Weigh Superstar Sale Amid Kolo Muani Breakout | OneFootball

Dusan Vlahovic’s future at Juventus hangs by a thread after Paris Saint-Germain loanee Randal Kolo Muani enjoyed a dream start to life in Serie A. The French center-forward has quickly dislodged the Serbia international from Thiago Motta’s starting lineup, casting doubt on his long-term prospects at the Allianz Stadium.

Kolo Muani’s transfer saga during the January transfer window dominated the Serie A latest news before Milan went on a tear to sign Joao Felix and Santiago Gimenez. Despite facing several hurdles, Juventus snatched a deal with PSG in what could prove a season-defining signing for the record-time Italian champions.

Underachieving Superstar

When Juventus splashed out north of €70 million to land Vlahovic from Fiorentina in January 2022, they had thought they brought a goalscoring machine. Unfortunately, barring sporadic bursts of quality, the 25-year-old has failed to live up to the billing.

Substantial form issues, accompanied by recurring fitness problems, have plagued Vlahovic’s career in Turin. A striker of his caliber cannot afford large dry spells in front of goal. Yet, the Partizan Belgrade academy graduate has become synonymous with inconsistency in the past three years.

Motta’s arrival was supposed to reignite Vlahovic’s scoring exploits. And their collaboration was off to a flyer, with the Serb bagging twice in a 3-0 rout of Hellas Verona on matchday two. However, he then went three games without scoring before netting four in as many league matches toward the end of October.

Vlahovic has since scored only twice in ten Serie A appearances, highlighting his struggles to maintain a consistent scoring rhythm. All the while, Kolo Muani continues to make strides, swiftly winning over the Bianconeri faithful.

X-Factor

While Vlahovic hasn’t been the X-Factor, Kolo Muani could be the one Juventus needed to solidify their top-four ambitions. After breaking the deadlock in a 2-1 defeat at Napoli on his Serie A debut, the 26-year-old tallied back-to-back braces, including a match-winning double at Como last Friday.

Kolo Muani’s outstanding start inspired Juventus to consecutive league wins for the first time since early November. His scintillating form seems to have already convinced the club hierarchy to pursue his permanent arrival from the perennial Ligue 1 champions and potentially sacrifice Vlahovic in the process.

The ex-Eintracht Frankfurt star’s showing at Como saw him become the first Juventus newcomer since Roberto Baggio in 1990 to score in his first three league appearances for the Turin club. Therefore, his presence has injected new life into their attack, further cementing his case for a long-term stay in Serie A.

What’s Next for Vlahovic?

As it stands, Vlahovic faces an uphill battle to reclaim his place in Juventus’ starting XI. His response in the coming months could determine not only his future at the club but also his reputation as one of Europe’s elite strikers.

His contract at the Allianz Stadium runs out in 2026, meaning a summer exit could be on the cards. Indeed, if his scoring woes persist, a summer sale may be inevitable, especially if top European clubs come knocking with a tempting offer.

Juventus can’t afford to lose Vlahovic on a free transfer in just over a year, while the former Fiorentina goal-getter would unlikely settle for playing second fiddle to anyone. While nothing is set in stone, the winds of change are blowing in Turin, and Vlahovic could fall victim to Kolo Muani’s rise to stardom.