Former Liverpool target would be Arne Slot's PERFECT January signing | OneFootball

Liverpool should look to Dusan Vlahovic to rescue their season

Only a few years ago Serbian striker Dusan Vlahovic was one of the most sought-after players in European football, now the 25-year-old only has six months remaining on his deal at Juventus and could soon be available on a free transfer.

The Reds were linked with a move for the forward when he still played for Fiorentina, and a rumours of a Merseyside move have surfaced sporadically since.

Although his expiring contract may suggest that Vlahovic has struggled since moving to Juventus, the striker’s numbers tell a different story.

Vlahovic has racked up 80 goal involvements in 162 appearances since joining The Old Lady in 2022, meaning he has scored or assisted roughly every other game – numbers comparable to Roberto Firmino's time at Liverpool.

The fact Juve risk losing Vlahovic on a free could work massively in Liverpool’s benefit, as the Italian giants would no doubt jump at the chance to recoup some of the roughly €80 million they spent on the Serbian just three and a half years ago.

Would Vlahovic be a good fit at Liverpool?

Vlahovic profiles similarly to Ekitike, with both forwards having a high shot volume, receiving lots of progressive passes and taking a high number of touches in the opposition box.

Ekitike has enjoyed success in Slot’s system this season, something that other summer arrivals have so far struggled with, so signing a player of a similar profile to act as a back-up in Isak’s absence makes sense.

The biggest hurdle Liverpool would have to overcome to sign Vlahovic is his wage, with the 25-year-old currently earning over €400,000 a week at Juventus.

Matching this salary would make him one of the highest paid players at the club and that simply wouldn’t be viable.

If the Reds could get Vlahovic to agree to a reduced wage with the promise of an opportunity to cement a place in Slot’s plans, a cut-price January move for the striker makes perfect sense.