Newcastle haven’t had the best summer transfer window so far, but they’re keen to put that right and could realistically make a move for free agent striker Dušan Vlahović.
Why Newcastle are being linked with Dušan Vlahović
While his time at Juventus has divided opinion, the numbers suggest he remains one of the most accomplished centre-forwards available on the market.
It is easy to forget that Vlahovic is still only 26.
Before arriving in Turin, he established himself as one of Europe’s most feared finishers at Fiorentina, scoring 21 Serie A goals in the 2020/21 campaign before adding another 17 in just 21 league matches during the first half of the following season.
Those performances earned him the Serie A Best Young Player award and convinced Juventus to invest around €70 million in his signature, beating Arsenal to his signature.
Even at Juventus, where the team’s attacking football has often been criticised, Vlahovic’s output has remained impressive. He scored 48 Serie A goals in 121 league appearances for the club and has consistently produced in Europe as well.
Across his career with Fiorentina and Juventus, he has comfortably passed the 90-goal mark in league football despite barely reaching his prime.
His achievements also place him in rare company. Juventus themselves highlighted that Vlahovic became only the second player born after 1999, alongside Erling Haaland, to score at least 40 goals in Europe’s top five leagues.
He also struck 33 Serie A goals during the 2021 calendar year, a total bettered in Italian football history by only Felice Borel and Gunnar Nordahl.
Those are not statistics associated with an ordinary striker, and Sports Boom claim Newcastle have a serious interest.
Newcastle think they could make ‘statement’ by signing Dušan Vlahović
According to their information, Newcastle believe signing Vlahovic on a free transfer would be a ‘statement’ addition.
The club are said to be monitoring the striker closely following his departure from Juventus and view his availability as a rare market opportunity.
The report claims Vlahovic has emerged as one of Newcastle’s leading attacking targets because there is no transfer fee involved, despite strong interest from elsewhere.
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Football FanCast’s Verdict |
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Credibility |
SportsBoom has grown its football coverage through a mixture of transfer reports and interviews with current and former players. While it is still establishing itself alongside longer-standing football publications, its exclusives are occasionally followed by larger outlets, making it a source worth monitoring rather than dismissing. |
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Finances |
Although Newcastle would not need to pay a transfer fee, Vlahovic’s salary expectations are expected to be substantial after leaving Juventus. Any agreement would likely involve a significant signing-on bonus and premium wages, meaning the overall financial package could still rank among the club’s biggest investments. |
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Insight |
Vlahovic rose to prominence at Fiorentina before securing a high-profile move to Juventus. The Serbia international has built his reputation on clinical finishing, intelligent positioning and physical dominance. Still only 26, he has already accumulated extensive experience in Serie A, Europe and international football. |
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Impact |
Vlahovic would immediately strengthen Newcastle’s attacking depth and provide Howe with a proven goalscorer. His physicality and ‘lightning‘ pace at times is also a major bonus, with the Serbian tailor-made for Premier League football. |
Arsenal and Aston Villa are both mentioned among the clubs keeping tabs on the Serbia international, meaning Newcastle know they face significant competition if they decide to press ahead.
SportsBoom adds that Newcastle’s recruitment staff believe Vlahovic’s physical presence, aerial ability and finishing qualities would translate well to the Premier League.
Eddie Howe’s side lost Alexander Isak last summer, with Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa failing to replace the Swede’s output last term.
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Elite squads need an elite goalscorer, and Vlahovic has repeatedly shown he knows where the net is.
There are financial questions because Vlahovic would command significant wages and a sizeable signing-on fee despite being available as a free agent.
However, Newcastle would not be paying a transfer fee for a striker whose goalscoring record compares favourably with many of Europe’s leading forwards over the past five years.
