Fiorentina claim they were ‘prisoners’ to Vlahovic
Robin Bairner
- 2 Feb 2022 10:35 CST
- 3 min read
Fiorentina had no choice but to sell Dusan Vlahovic to Juventus, with the club “prisoners” to the whims of the player, according to director Daniele Prade.
Vlahovic, who moved to Juve for €75 million, was one of the big stories of the January transfer window.
With a contract at the Viola that expired in the summer of 2023 and no willingness to extend his agreement, clubs mustered in an attempt to sign him. Arsenal and Tottenham were both rebuffed from the Premier League, with Juventus ultimately winning the day in the race.
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Crucially, it was the player and his agent who decided his destination, even reportedly refusing to talk to the Gunners.
The deal led to criticism of both the club board and the player from fans, angry to see the 21-year-old go to one of Fiorentina’s greatest rivals.
We were prisoners, say Fiorentina
Prade has defended the stance of Fiorentina, however, arguing that they had little choice.
“Everyone knew full well what the situation was with Vlahovic and it was impossible to say no to that proposal,” he explained in a press conference.
“We understand the bitterness of the fans, but there are some situations that go beyond all of us. The clubs are close to becoming prisoners of agents and players.
“We couldn’t say no to this because we risked losing him for free. This is modern football and we can only hope that things change.”
Vlahovic’s move to Juventus from Fiorentina was the biggest deal ever struck by a Serie A side during the January transfer window, although it already promises to have a knock-on effect at the Turin club with regards players already on their books.
