Dusan Vlahovic has made it clear to Ruben Amorim what Manchester United would be gaining if they secure his signature this summer, asserting he “likes pressure” and is “totally dedicated” to football. The Juventus forward has emerged as a potential new face at Old Trafford in a swap deal that could see Jadon Sancho make the move to Turin.
Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Vlahovic is considered expendable by Juventus, who are keen to offload him while eyeing United’s unsettled Sancho. With Amorim on the hunt for a striker and Vlahovic approaching the last year of his contract, a swap involving 25-year-old Sancho might just be an astute financial play. United have previously been criticised for their extravagant spending on players who later failed to shine under the intense scrutiny at Old Trafford, diminishing from their former glory.
However, Vlahovic represents a transfer with minimal risk, both financially and because of his self-professed psychological resilience. In an interview with The Telegraph back in 2022, the Serbian international was almost offended when asked about handling pressure.
He stated: “I like pressure. I like high expectations because I like the kind of adrenaline that comes out. I have never really suffered too much from pressure. Maybe when I was younger but not now and in 10 years time I will probably feel even better about it. I don’t really care too much when people talk about pressure,” reports the Mirror.
Expectations are sky-high at United, with the club aiming for trophies and European qualification next season despite what was a historically dismal campaign this year. Vlahovic, however, seems to have the hunger for success that Amorim greatly appreciates.
He elaborated: “I never want to rest. I am dedicated 24/7 and when I go home, what do I do? I watch football matches! I watch to have fun, to enjoy, but also to learn and improve. You notice things and figure them out and think, ‘I could have done this or that.’
“I like spending time with my family, who have always been my force, and friends. I don’t like video games. I am not very good at them. I prefer going for a walk! In the past I had the time to read books, but not now. Basically I am completely dedicated to football and, for me, it’s only the beginning, by the way. The best is yet to come.”
Whether Vlahovic would consider joining the beleaguered Premier League team remains uncertain. He has reportedly been ‘unreceptive’ to leaving Juventus in the past, having turned down offers from Saudi Arabia and Turkey.
Vlahovic isn’t new to the allure of the Premier League either. Arsenal chased him before his £60million move to Juve in 2021, and Chelsea has shown interest in him previously. Juventus are anticipated to make a move for Sancho, who is no longer in the plans at Old Trafford, even if Vlahovic is not included in the deal. Gazzetta dello Sport reports that they are prepared to offer other players to United in an attempt to secure a deal for the winger, including midfielder Douglas Luiz.
Sancho is predicted to depart the Red Devils permanently after Chelsea paid £5m to waive their obligation to buy clause following his unsuccessful season-long loan stint at Stamford Bridge. Napoli have also been linked with an interest in Sancho, but Juve are striving to outdo the Italian champions in securing a deal.
Content Source: www.express.co.uk