Lecce’s current sporting director, Pantaleo Corvino, first identified Dusan Vlahovic’s potential during a scouting trip to Belgrade in 2017, according to reports from Italy. Corvino was initially at Partizan Belgrade to assess Nikola Milenkovic, but became captivated by the then-seventeen-year-old Vlahovic, who was already making waves in the Serbian league. At the time, Arsenal and Juventus were also monitoring the young forward.
Corvino, known for discovering talents like Mirko Vucinic and Hameur Bouazza earlier in his career, swiftly initiated negotiations with Partizan and, crucially, the Vlahovic family. He reportedly secured a preliminary agreement worth €1.5 million, understanding that the transfer couldn’t be completed immediately due to Vlahovic being a minor. The deal was structured to become fully operational when Vlahovic turned eighteen, with Fiorentina initially intending to integrate him into their Primavera youth setup, utilizing a non-EU player slot.
Corvino’s persuasive approach to Vlahovic’s mother, Sladjana, is highlighted as a key factor in securing the agreement. He is reported to have told her, “Rest assured, Dusan will follow in the footsteps of Batistuta at Florence.” This promise, coupled with a show of trust, laid the groundwork for the transfer. The move wasn’t without internal debate within Fiorentina, with some questioning the cost of acquiring an unproven young player.
However, Vlahovic quickly flourished, scoring 44 goals in 98 appearances for Fiorentina. He received support from fellow players like Stevan Jovetic, who allowed Vlahovic to rent his house and offered guidance. Vlahovic’s transfer to Juventus in 2022 ultimately yielded a fee of approximately €80 million for Fiorentina, a return over fifty times the initial investment. While Corvino and Vlahovic’s direct contact diminished after Corvino’s departure from Fiorentina, a mutual respect and affection remain. This early recognition of Vlahovic’s talent underscores Corvino’s reputation as a keen talent scout and highlights the importance of family connections in modern football transfers.
