By Gill Clark. Feb 10, 2026, 12:35 PM UTC.
Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic has been linked with a switch to Barcelona for the summer once his contract with the Turin club runs out. His close friend and the Serbia national team’s fitness coach, Dusan Ilic, has been asked about the striker’s next steps and indicated he expects Vlahovic to move to the Catalan side.
Ilic recalled that before joining Juve Vlahovıc had talks with Atlético Madrid, but ultimately accepted Juventus’ offer. He also noted Vlahovıc’s affection and respect for Italy as a reason the striker remained in Serie A for an extended period. According to Ilic, Vlahovıc now needs to restart his career to return to the high level he showed at Fiorentina, highlighting that the player has always possessed top-class finishing ability and is a world-class goalscorer.
Vlahovıc is currently sidelined after undergoing surgery on an adductor injury. Ilic explained that the problem affects a specific area that typically heals more slowly than other injuries, so recovery will take time. Nevertheless, with the medical staff and specialists available to him, Ilic expressed confidence that Vlahovıc will return to action in the near future.
Ilic added that despite Vlahovic’s current condition the striker maintains an excellent physique and could play any sport, and he projected a comeback at the start of March. He expects Vlahovıc to return to his customary habits — finding the net regularly and troubling opposition defences.
