Change of plans as Barcelona target is ‘delighted to stay’ at current club, reveals manager | OneFootball

With Robert Lewandowski’s contract expiring at the end of the season, FC Barcelona are on the lookout for a new long-term replacement for the striker.

Names like Julian Alvarez, Erling Haaland, and Victor Osimhen have been talked about, but the club’s financial situation makes those moves difficult.

As such, the Blaugrana are also keeping an eye on cost-effective solutions, with Juventus centre-forward Dusan Vlahovic an option.

The Serbian striker’s contract at the Allianz Stadium expires at the end of the season, and until now, it appeared like he would be leaving as a free agent, piquing Barcelona’s interest.

Vlahovic wants to stay, claims new Juventus boss

However, it appears that there has been a major U-turn from Vlahovic with regard to his future, following the change of managers at Juventus.

Indeed, after talks with new head coach Luciano Spalletti, the Serbian now wants to continue with the Bianconeri, the manager himself confirmed.

“I spoke at length with Dusan and he’s delighted to stay… he knows what it means to wear this shirt…,” revealed Spalletti during a press conference earlier today.

Spalletti believes Vlahovic will stay at Juventus. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)

The prospect of the 25-year-old goalscorer becoming a free agent drew attention from several other major European clubs apart from Barcelona, as the likes of Bayern Munich, Tottenham Hotspur, and Atletico Madrid were also keen.

But the scenario flips completely now, with Vlahovic seemingly deciding to stay as Spalletti eagerly wants to have the Serbian striker as part of the team – something that was not entirely the case under his predecessors Thiago Motta and Igor Tudor.

“We’ve spoken several times since my arrival, and Dusan knows the atmosphere, he knows what it means to play for Juventus, and he wants to do so regardless of the fact that his contract with the club only lasts until June of next year,” said Spalletti.

“In fact, he would be delighted to stay here even longer,” the new coach further remarked.

If Vlahovic does follow through and sign a new contract with Juventus, Barcelona will lose one of their prospective targets to replace Lewandowski in the summer of 2026.

Source: Mundo Deportivo