Beşiktaş Renews Pursuit of Free Agent Dušan Vlahović Following Salah Setback
Beşiktaş President Serdal Adalı confirmed the club has reopened negotiations with former Juventus striker Dušan Vlahović. The move comes as the Istanbul club seeks a high-profile signing after missing out on Mohamed Salah to league rivals Trabzonspor.
Key takeaways
- Beşiktaş has reopened transfer talks with Dušan Vlahović after a previous ultimatum expired.
- The club is seeking a prestige signing following Mohamed Salah's decision to join rivals Trabzonspor.
- Vlahović is currently unattached after leaving Juventus, where he was previously the highest earner in Serie A.
What Happened
Beşiktaş has re-entered negotiations to sign 26-year-old Serbian striker Dušan Vlahović, who remains a free agent following the expiration of his contract with Juventus. Club President Serdal Adalı confirmed to reporters that the club is attempting to convince the forward to join the 16-time Turkish champions, describing the effort as a "second chance" after previous talks had stalled.
The club had previously issued an ultimatum to Vlahović regarding a contract offer worth up to €30 million, which the player allowed to expire. While Beşiktaş subsequently pivoted toward Mohamed Salah, the Egyptian international instead opted for a move to Trabzonspor. This development has placed Beşiktaş under pressure to secure a marquee signing to keep pace with Süper Lig rivals.
Background
Vlahović moved from Fiorentina to Juventus in early 2022 for approximately €85 million. Despite being the top earner in Serie A last season, he did not agree to a new contract in Turin involving reduced wages. Juventus has since moved on by signing Randal Kolo Muani, effectively ending Vlahović’s tenure with the Italian club.
Beşiktaş has been active in the current transfer window, securing players such as Alexander Nübel, Leandro Trossard, and Salih Özcan. The pursuit of Vlahović is seen as a strategic response to finishing fourth in the league last season, while Trabzonspor secured third place and the Turkish Cup.
Key Facts
- Dušan Vlahović is currently a free agent, meaning no transfer fee is required for his signature.
- Beşiktaş is reportedly offering a three-year contract with an annual salary of approximately €8 million plus performance bonuses and a signing fee.
- Vlahović has reportedly rejected a more lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia in favor of remaining in European football.
- Current Beşiktaş manager Vincenzo Italiano previously coached Vlahović during their time at Fiorentina.
- The player is rumored to be holding out for interest from FC Barcelona, though no formal offer from the Spanish club has materialized.
What Happens Next
Negotiations are ongoing, with reports from Italy suggesting a final decision could be reached within several days. The success of the deal depends on whether Vlahović accepts the Istanbul club's renewed terms or continues to wait for offers from other elite European sides in the Premier League or La Liga.
Sources reviewed
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