Vlahovic’s free-agent gamble: Barcelona’s latest option amid Torres uncertainty

Juventus striker Dušan Vlahović has again made himself available to Barcelona as the club searches for a new centre-forward following Robert Lewandowski’s departure. The 26-year-old Serbian, whose contract expires on 30 June, is approaching the end of his deal with Juventus, where contract talks have stalled.

Barcelona’s pursuit of a new striker is complicated by uncertainty over Ferran Torres’ future. The Spain forward, under contract until 2027 and recently linked with PSG, declined to guarantee his presence next season when questioned, adding to the club’s attacking concerns. Should both Lewandowski and Torres leave, Barcelona would need an experienced centre-forward to lead the line.

Vlahović, who offers a traditional penalty-box profile, has renewed his interest in joining Barcelona. Unlike Julian Álvarez—Barcelona’s top target, whose game centres on movement and pressing—the Serbian provides a different tactical option as an aerial target. Within the club, Vlahović is not viewed as the preferred choice but his availability on a free transfer makes him an attractive fallback.

Signing Vlahović would still require Barcelona to meet his financial demands: a salary of around €8 million per season and a €15 million signing bonus. The club must now assess whether those terms align with their wage structure and long-term planning.

Barcelona are not alone in monitoring Vlahović’s situation. Bayern Munich, Beşiktaş and Atlético Madrid have also been linked with the striker in recent weeks. For now, the Catalan club’s priority remains Álvarez, but if negotiations collapse or Torres departs, Vlahović has positioned himself as a ready-made, low-cost alternative for Hansi Flick’s attack.