Manchester United's interest in Dušan Vlahović is not a straight free-transfer chase. He is a free agent after his Juventus contract expired earlier this summer, but the move only becomes realistic if Joshua Zirkzee leaves first. United would then look for an experienced striker on a short-term deal rather than pay big money again.

Zirkzee's future sits at the centre of the plan

Zirkzee joined Manchester United in a £36.5m deal from Bologna in July 2024. His return has been modest, with 9 goals in 75 appearances, and United's last five league games have brought three wins, a draw and a defeat. That does not force a sale on its own, but it explains why the club are prepared to think about a replacement if his future changes.

The other useful detail is what United would actually want from the market. This is not being framed as a long build or a huge outlay. It is about an experienced option who can come in quickly if Zirkzee goes.

Why Vlahovic fits the low-cost route

Vlahovic is the sort of name that fits that brief. Cesare Prandelli called him "a champion" and "one of the best strikers in Europe", while adding that he should not be asked to link play or contribute to the play. That is a fair fit for a short-term No 9 search, because United would be buying finishing more than all-round combination play.

He is also on the market in a way that keeps the fee down. Onder Ozer, the Besiktas director of sport, said: "Regarding Vlahovic, since the player is a free agent, the matter is in his hands." Ozer also said Besiktas would evaluate any opportunity, which underlines how many clubs could yet look at him.

Barcelona have been searching for a new number nine after Robert Lewandowski left at the end of last season, so United are not alone in seeing the appeal. But for United, the key point remains the same, the Vlahovic move is conditional on Zirkzee going first. If that does happen, the free-agent route becomes a real option quickly.

Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 4 outlets. How we work →