Vlahovic at the heart of Beşiktaş’s ambitious transfer push
Beşiktaş have launched an ambitious move to bring Serbian star striker Dusan Vlahovic to Istanbul, with the club’s hierarchy reportedly ready to stretch their limits to complete what would be one of the most sensational signings in recent years. While reports suggest that Galatasaray are also in the race, Beşiktaş’s new head coach Vincenzo Italiano has made it clear that Vlahovic is his priority target for the centre-forward position.
Italiano, who has signed a two-year contract with Beşiktaş, wasted no time outlining his demands for the summer transfer window to football director Önder Özen. After a detailed evaluation of the current squad, the Italian tactician identified several key areas that need reinforcement. According to the plan presented to the board, Beşiktaş are looking to bring in a goalkeeper, a left-sided centre-back, a central midfielder, two wingers and, crucially, a leading striker.
Forward line not convincing Italiano
Despite having Hyeongyu Oh, Semih Kılıçsoy and Mustafa Hekimoğlu in the attacking department, Italiano is understood to be unconvinced that this trio alone can carry the team through a demanding season. The coach reportedly values their potential and versatility, but believes the squad lacks a physically dominant, experienced centre-forward who can act as a focal point in attack.
In his recent meetings with Önder Özen, Italiano is said to have underlined the need for a classic pivot striker: a player who can hold up the ball, dominate in aerial duels, bring teammates into play and still deliver a high goal output. For him, that profile leads directly to one name – Dusan Vlahovic.
Reunion target: Dusan Vlahovic
The striker at the top of Italiano’s wishlist is none other than his former protégé from Fiorentina, Dusan Vlahovic. The pair worked together during the 2021-22 season, a period that proved decisive in the Serbian’s rise to the elite level. Under Italiano’s guidance at Fiorentina, Vlahovic scored 29 goals in 45 official matches, performances that attracted the attention of Europe’s biggest clubs.
That explosive form paved the way for his high-profile move to Juventus in the same season, with the Turin giants paying a fee of 85 million euros to secure his services. Vlahovic went on to spend four seasons with Juventus, amassing 68 goals in 168 appearances in all competitions.
Now, with his contract at Juventus having come to an end, the 26-year-old forward is at a crossroads in his career. Standing 1.90 meters tall and still very much in his prime years, Vlahovic has decided he wants to continue his journey at a different club. This situation has alerted Beşiktaş, who see a rare opportunity to sign a proven, top-level goalscorer without having to pay a transfer fee.
Sources close to the club suggest that Italiano is pushing hard for a reunion with the player he helped turn into one of Europe’s most feared number nines. The Italian coach believes that Vlahovic could become the cornerstone of his project at Beşiktaş and transform the team’s attacking identity.
Board ready to push financial boundaries
Beşiktaş president Serdal Adalı and football director Önder Özen are both believed to be fully behind the idea of signing Vlahovic and are prepared to explore every possible avenue to make the deal happen. The black-and-white administration is reportedly working on a three-year contract proposal and preparing to initiate direct talks with both the player and his representatives in the coming days.
While the lack of a transfer fee makes the move more attainable, Vlahovic’s wage demands and potential signing-on bonus are expected to be substantial. Nevertheless, Beşiktaş’s hierarchy are said to be willing to stretch their financial framework in order to secure a marquee signing who could immediately raise the club’s sporting and commercial profile. The internal message is clear: for Vlahovic, all reasonable limits will be tested.
Galatasaray also in the race
Complicating matters for Beşiktaş is the reported interest of their arch-rivals Galatasaray. According to claims from the Italian press, Galatasaray have already tabled an offer to the Serbian forward, seeing him as an ideal solution for their own attacking plans.
This scenario sets the stage for a high-stakes transfer battle between the two Istanbul giants, not just on the pitch but in the marketplace as well. The outcome could shape the balance of power in the league for years to come. Vlahovic’s decision will likely hinge on several factors: the financial package, the sporting project, guaranteed playing time, European competition prospects and, crucially, his relationship and trust in Vincenzo Italiano.
Tactical fit: how Vlahovic would change Beşiktaş
From a tactical perspective, Vlahovic’s arrival would allow Italiano to implement the type of attacking structure he prefers. The coach has often relied on a proactive, high-intensity style with plenty of movement around a central striker who can occupy defenders and create space for runners from deep.
With Vlahovic as a pivot, Beşiktaş could:
– Use more direct balls into the final third, relying on his ability to control long passes and lay them off.
– Exploit his aerial dominance on crosses and set pieces, an area where Beşiktaş have sometimes lacked a consistent threat.
– Free up space for dynamic wingers and attacking midfielders, who can feed off his knockdowns and combinations around the box.
This would also reduce the scoring burden on young talents like Semih Kılıçsoy, allowing them to develop without the pressure of being the team’s primary goal source.
Impact on current forwards and squad hierarchy
If Vlahovic signs, the roles of the existing forwards will inevitably change. Hyeongyu Oh might be used more as an impact substitute or in a two-striker system, where his mobility can complement Vlahovic’s physical presence. Semih could be shifted between centre-forward and second striker roles, gaining valuable minutes in different tactical setups. Mustafa Hekimoğlu would likely face increased competition for game time and may be considered for a loan move depending on pre-season performances.
Within the dressing room, a star arrival like Vlahovic would send a strong message about the club’s ambitions. It could help attract further quality signings in other positions, as players often look at the strength of a club’s core when making their decisions.
Financial gamble and long-term planning
From a financial standpoint, signing a player of Vlahovic’s stature on a free transfer but with a high salary would be a calculated risk. Beşiktaş would be betting on several returns:
– A surge in shirt sales and commercial interest associated with a globally recognized striker.
– Improved performance in domestic and European competitions, potentially increasing prize money and exposure.
– The possibility of a future transfer fee if Vlahovic excels and attracts offers from other leagues.
The club will need to structure the contract carefully, possibly including performance-related bonuses and clauses, to balance ambition with sustainability.
Defensive concerns remain the main weakness
While the focus of attention is on the Vlahovic pursuit, it is acknowledged internally that the centre-back position remains one of Beşiktaş’s biggest problems. Italiano’s transfer list clearly includes a left-sided central defender, reflecting concerns about defensive stability and ball progression from the back.
Even if Vlahovic joins and transforms the attack, the team’s long-term success will depend on building a balanced squad. The coaching staff are aware that a strong defence is essential if Beşiktaş are to turn attacking firepower into trophies rather than just high-scoring matches.
What comes next in the Vlahovic chase?
The next phase of this saga will revolve around concrete negotiations. Beşiktaş are expected to formalize their three-year offer and present a clear sporting project to the player. Italiano’s personal intervention could play a decisive role; his previous working relationship with Vlahovic and the trust built at Fiorentina may give Beşiktaş an edge over competing clubs.
However, with serious interest from Galatasaray and potentially other European teams monitoring the situation, the race is far from settled. Timing, persuasion and financial creativity will all be crucial as Beşiktaş attempt to complete what would be one of the most talked-about transfers in the club’s modern history.
If they succeed, Vlahovic would not only solve their need for a dominant number nine, but also symbolize a new era under Vincenzo Italiano – an era in which Beşiktaş seek to return to the forefront of the title race with a bold, attacking identity.