Manchester United find themselves deep into a summer transfer window where reinforcements up front are an absolute priority.
The club is coming off a disappointing campaign that saw them finish 15th in the Premier League and lose to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final, costing them European football next season.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS team have acknowledged the fallout of this poor showing and seem determined to make wholesale changes to improve the squad under new manager Ruben Amorim.
United already faced setbacks in their quest to bolster the attack. They attempted to secure Liam Delap from Ipswich Town only to see him snatched up by Chelsea after they triggered his £30 million release clause.
Even more disappointing was the news that Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyökeres, who had been linked as a top target, decided that a reunion with Amorim at Old Trafford was not on the cards — instead setting his sights on a switch to Arsenal.
Despite these failed pursuits, United haven’t been idle. They successfully acquired Matheus Cunha and are progressing talks to sign Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, who is said to prefer a move to United.
However, the need for a new central striker is glaring, especially after Rasmus Højlund struggled to live up to expectations last season.
Signed from Atalanta for a hefty £72 million, Højlund was tipped to flourish but managed just four goals in 32 matches. Analysts like Rory Jennings even went so far as to label him one of the weakest performers in the Premier League.
It’s clear Højlund’s development has stalled in a dysfunctional United setup, and reports suggest Inter Milan may look to bring him back to Italy — potentially offering United an exit route.
This has led United to explore other options, one of which is Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus.
According to reports from Ben Jacobs of GIVEMESPORT, United are preparing for direct talks with the Serbian striker’s representatives as he looks to leave Turin.
Juventus have been unsuccessful in persuading him to sign a new long-term contract, and with wages expected around £200,000 per week, Vlahovic could come at a surprisingly reasonable £25 million.
Spurs and Aston Villa are also watching the situation closely, though Newcastle United have emerged as a front-runner.
While Vlahovic’s time at Juve has been uneven, his pedigree cannot be denied. At just 25, he has played at a high level in Serie A and registered 87 goals and 17 assists across 202 matches for Fiorentina and Juventus.
Known for his physicality, shot volume, and presence in the box — ranking among Europe’s top forwards for shots taken and touches inside the penalty area — Vlahovic could thrive in a fresh environment at Old Trafford. Juventus paid £67 million for him in 2022, underlining their belief in his long-term potential.
Although Gyökeres may seem a more obvious fit, especially with his existing understanding of Amorim’s style, Vlahovic offers value at a lower price and experience at a top European club. Reporters and talent scouts alike have previously dubbed him a “real superstar,” and a switch to Manchester United could reinvigorate his career and resolve the club’s search for a proven No. 9.
Given United’s current striker dilemma and the need for a robust goalscorer to spearhead Amorim’s new project, Vlahovic could be a shrewd, cost-effective acquisition — one that carries less financial risk but significant upside if he hits the ground running in England.
