Tension in Juventus before facing Real Madrid

Tensions are high within Juventus ahead of Tuesday's Club World Cup Round of 16 clash with Real Madrid. The club is experiencing internal turmoil over the situation of 25-year-old player Dusan Vlahovic. According to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Serbian is not part of the club's sporting project this season, and his sale is seen as a prerequisite for several important signings, including the signing of Jonathan David and negotiations to continue with Kolo Muani, who is on loan from Paris Saint-Germain. The problem lies in Vlahovic's refusal to leave Juventus, insisting on staying until his contract expires in 2026, and expecting to have the final say on his future at that time. This puts the club in a difficult position, especially after the player's statements, which were not welcomed by the club. Vlahovic joined Juventus in January 2022 for €70 million plus variables, but has so far failed to achieve the expected level as the team's top scorer. His hefty annual salary, set to reach €12 million next season, represents an additional burden on the club, especially given the absence of any talks with his agent to reduce it. This season, Vlahovic has participated in 35 matches, scoring 13 goals and providing four assists, but he is still far from convincing Juventus management that he is the ideal choice in attack.