Man United reportedly could have the chance to seal a swap deal involving Jadon Sancho and Dusan Vlahovic this summer after the Serbian striker lost his Juventus place to Randal Kolo-Muani
Jadon Sancho of Manchester United reacts after missing penalty during the 2024 FA Community Shield shoot out between Manchester United and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on August 10, 2024 in London, England.
Jadon Sancho last played for Manchester United in the 2024 Community Shield
A potential swap deal involving Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho and Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic could be on the horizon.
Sancho, who spent last season on loan at Chelsea, where he clinched the UEFA Conference League, is expected to be sold this summer. His last appearance for the Red Devils was in the Community Shield last year, marking a disappointing stint for both player and club.
One possibility being mooted is a move to Juventus in exchange for the Serbian striker. The 25-year-old, previously linked with Arsenal, has been largely confined to the bench at the Italian giants following the loan signing of Randal Kolo-Muani in January.
Italian media reports suggest that Juventus are considering offering Vlahovic - who has a year left on his contract - to secure Sancho, whom they have been interested in since last year, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Despite boasting a respectable tally of 57 goals in 144 games, Vlahovic has struggled to replicate the lethal form he displayed during his time at Fiorentina, reports the Mirror.
This season, he has scored 16 goals across all competitions, just one less than Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee combined. This scoring prowess will undoubtedly be attractive to the Premier League giants.
Dusan Vlahovic on the pitch while playing for Juventus
Dusan Vlahovic scored 16 goals across all competitions last season
Regarding his uncertain future, the Serbian striker reportedly turned down an eye-watering £17million-a-year deal back in January, according to Corriere dello Sport. Despite not yet reaching his peak, Vlahovic's decision to stay in a top European league rather than accepting a lucrative offer from Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr could be seen as a positive sign by United bosses.
It shows that he has ambitions to compete for trophies on the top stage rather than take a big payday.
Vlahovic's commitment to his club and team-mates, meanwhile, was evident last season during a challenging period for Juventus. After a fourth consecutive Serie A draw, which ended 2-2 against Venezia, the Juve players walked over to their fans to thank them for their support, as is tradition.
However, the fans responded with insults and disrespectful chants. Vlahovic didn't take kindly to this and shouted back at the fans. Despite the players walking away, the fans continued with their insults, prompting the striker to give them a sarcastic thumbs-up, as reported by Sky Sport Italia.
Juventus players acknowledge the fans at the end of the Serie A match between Juventus and Venezia at Allianz Stadium on December 14, 2024 in Turin, Italy
The striker hit back at the Juventus fans who hurled insults at his team-mates
While it's not ideal for a player to have a row with their own supporters, it does demonstrate to United that Vlahovic isn't shy about expressing his views and will back his team-mates when he deems it necessary.
Introducing such a robust character into the dressing room could yield both positive and negative outcomes, and Ruben Amorim will undoubtedly be weighing up a variety of factors as he continues his quest for additional reinforcements this summer, including a new striker.
The Portuguese boss has so far welcomed one new signing this summer in Matheus Cunha, who they purchased for £62.5m from Wolves. While interest persists in Bryan Mbeumo and Viktor Gyokeres, United are facing competition for the attackers from Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal, respectively.