Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic has apparently been identified by Real Madrid as the heir to their captain and veteran Karim Benzema. Real will however have to spend at least €90 million on the Serbian with other teams reportedly interested as well. El Nacional reported that contract negotiations between Benzema and Real Madrid were stalled. The Frenchman’s contract expires at the end of the current campaign, and he may leave on a free transfer.
Real Madrid is keeping an eye on potential replacements in the event that the 35-year-old decides not to extend his contract at the Santiago Bernabeu. The newest name on the list, according to reports, is Vlahovic, who Juventus may want to sell. Real Madrid remain alert to the Serbian player’s condition – they now exactly know what potential they have of signing him and the movements which prompted him to desire to leave Juve.
Real to pursue Vlahovic as Karim Benzema’s future at the club looks shady
The fact that Vlahovic, one of the sport’s smartest strikers, is up for sale is encouraging for Real Madrid. At the back offices of the Bernabéu, there is ongoing discussion about how to move on from the ageing Karim Benzema to a star player of the calibre of the likes of Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbape;, two players whose contracts keep them out of the Los Blancos’ reach until at least 2024 or 2025.
However, the final output of Karim Benzema this season will determine a lot of things. Real have two options: keep the guys they currently have in the lineup for the upcoming two seasons (2023–24 and possibly the one after) and see how Endrick, their recruitment from Palmeiras fits in, or sign a proven striker with assurances like Vlahovic – regardless of whether Mbappe or Haaland join at a later time.
However, Real are not the only ones in he line to make a move for the ex-Fiorentina striker who hasn’t enjoyed his time in Turin, especially post the scandal and the crisis that followed. He has only scored 19 goals in 43 games for Juventus, and is looking to move on after only 12 months at the club. Manchester United, who scoured the January market for a goal scorer when Cristiano Ronaldo left are currently devoid of a dedicated center-forward.
Even while the reports deny that United would be Vlahovic’s final stop in the summer, all signs point to a possible transfer to Old Trafford for the 23-year-old. Nonetheless, between now and summer, Real Madrid will consider all of their choices, and Vlahovic is one of them. Now that they are aware he is available, the Serbian forward is one of the names that might assist Real Madrid in avoiding a potential issue when they ultimately need to replace Karim Benzema.
It will also benefit Real that they and Juventus have a great working relationship (and a fundamental ally in the controversial issue of the so-called Super League). Real would have the advantage in negotiations for the Serbian forward. Real Madrid must make a number of decisions, one of which is how to restock the attack. Nothing is taken for granted, and none of the contracts for the likes of Benzema, Modric, or Kroos have been renewed as of yet.
This summer, Jude Bellingham also appears to be Real Madrid’s top target; his transfer is expected to cost about €100m. But, given that the player has a contract with Borussia Dortmund through 2026, it will depend on their willingness to move him. Forgotten man at Santiago Bernabeu Mariano will depart in the process, with the 14-time Champions League winners considering Vlahovic as the long term target successor to Benzema to lead their line.