Shortage of Center Forwards: A Problem in European Football
In the most important clubs in Europe, there is a noticeable lack of established center forwards. Teams like Real Madrid, Arsenal, and Paris Saint-Germain have resorted to alternative solutions, using players in positions other than center forward. This situation raises questions about the transfer market and the availability of players in this key position. Barcelona, although it has Robert Lewandowski, faces the challenge of his age. Liverpool, for its part, has Darwin Núñez, but his participation is variable and an winger is often preferred in that position. Bayern Munich and Chelsea, with Harry Kane and Nico Jackson respectively, do not have guaranteed substitutes. If the transfer market should solve these shortcomings, something is not working correctly. Despite the presence of rumors about Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyökeres, there are other forwards available. The work of intermediaries and the complexities of contracts play an important role in this situation. Two center forwards, Dusan Vlahovic from Juventus and Victor Osimhen from Napoli, are available for transfer. Both footballers, with great talent and at the peak of their careers, are in complex contractual situations that make their transfer difficult, despite being beneficial for both parties.Osimhen’s Contractual Situation
Osimhen, at 21 years old, arrived at Napoli from Lille in 2020. He scored 46 goals in his first 100 matches and 48 goals in the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons. His performance led him to be recognized as Serie A Player of the Year and African Footballer of the Year. However, Napoli sought to sell him in the summer of 2024, as he had two years left on his contract and there was no agreement to extend it. The club signed Romelu Lukaku as a replacement and made it clear that, without a renewal, Osimhen should look for another team. In the absence of offers that met Napoli’s expectations, an agreement was reached to extend his contract and loan him to Galatasaray. In Galatasaray, Osimhen had an outstanding season, winning the double and scoring 37 goals in 41 matches. His performance showed that he has not lost his scoring ability, and his game encompasses much more than goals. He is fast, powerful, hardworking and charismatic.
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Vlahovic and Juventus’ Crossroads
Vlahovic arrived at Juventus on his 22nd birthday, coming from Fiorentina. He signed a contract until 2026 with an initial salary of 14 million euros net per season, which would rise to 24 million in the last two years.
Vlahovic earned his big contract at Juventus, but now the club is looking for a way out.
Juventus, with significant financial losses, is in a complicated situation due to Vlahovic’s salary, which does not correspond to his performance. The club tried to sell him last summer, without success, and now, with one year remaining on his contract, must decide between renewing him with a salary reduction or transferring him. Vlahovic has suffered injuries and hasn’t had the same goalscoring output at Juventus as he did at Fiorentina. Despite this, in a less outstanding season, he scored 15 goals in all competitions, demonstrating his potential. Vlahovic stands out for his imposing physique, his strength, his dedication, and his excellent left foot. He needs to be developed, but his potential is enormous.
