Free-agent striker continues to wait for Barcelona as Besiktas grow frustrated | OneFootball

Dusan Vlahovic remains without a club after leaving Juventus, with the Serbian striker prepared to delay his next move in the hope of joining FC Barcelona.

The 26-year-old became a free agent after Juventus decided not to renew his contract, ending a spell that never fully lived up to the expectations created by his €75 million move from Fiorentina.

According to MARCA, Vlahovic has a lucrative offer from Besiktas on the table, including a signing bonus of around €5 million and a salary worth just under €10 million per season. However, the striker has yet to give the Turkish club an answer as he continues to wait for developments from Barcelona.

The report adds that Vlahovic has already met with sporting director Deco and believes he could fill the vacancy left by Robert Lewandowski, while also providing extra cover if Ferran Torres leaves for Paris Saint-Germain.

Although Hansi Flick is understood to have preferred a more aggressive pressing forward, Barcelona’s hierarchy view Vlahovic as an attractive market opportunity because he is available on a free transfer.

His wage demands would still need to be adjusted, with Barcelona unable to compete financially with Besiktas, but the Serbian is said to be willing to prioritise the chance to play at Camp Nou over a bigger salary elsewhere.

For now, though, the situation remains on hold.

A free transfer does not mean a risk-free signing

Vlahovic’s availability naturally makes him an interesting option. Strikers with his experience and goalscoring record rarely become free agents at 26.

Even so, Barcelona must look beyond the transfer fee. His salary, adaptation to Flick’s system and recent inconsistency are all factors that deserve careful consideration.

The Serbian remains a dangerous finisher inside the penalty area, but Barcelona also need mobility, pressing intensity and the ability to combine with creative players such as Lamine Yamal and Pedri.

If Deco believes Vlahovic can rediscover the form he showed at Fiorentina, signing him without paying a transfer fee could prove to be smart business. However, if doubts remain about his tactical fit, Barca should resist making a decision simply because he is available.