Why do big clubs want Vlahovic

Regular readers of the BBC Sport gossip column will recognise the name Dusan Vlahovic.

Barely a day goes by without the Fiorentina striker being linked with a move to the Premier League or

another high-profile destination by the English media.

One morning he’s on his way to Manchester City, the next he’s Tottenham’s chosen replacement for Harry Kane.

Paris St-Germain have even reportedly considered adding him to their already stacked forward line.

One thing we do know is that a move is coming, with the player refusing to extend a deal that runs out

in the summer of 2023.

So who is Vlahovic and why do half of the clubs in Europe want to sign him?

Let’s start with the basics and a bit of history. Vlahovic is a 21-year-old Serb striker, born in Belgrade,

where he began his professional career with one of the country’s foremost clubs, Partizan.

He became their youngest player when he made his debut for them against OFK Beograd on 27 February 2016

at the age of 16 years and 24 days.

Rumours of a move to England began back then, but a deal with Serie A side Fiorentina was struck instead,

with the forward, then only 18, making the switch to Italy for the 2018-19 season.

Much was expected of him, despite his age, but he would play just a handful of goalless senior games in that first season,

starting one Serie A match.

He was a regular presence in 2019-20, but his return of six goals in 30 appearances saw some quickly look to write off

a player still learning on the job.

Vlahovic became the youngest player since Gabriel Batistuta to score more than 20 league goals in a season for Fiorentina in 2020-21.

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