Besiktas: Vlahovic would prefer big 5 leagues, Salah talks have stalled
Quick summary
Besiktas president claims Dusan Vlahovic would prefer to stay in a top-5 European league, and talks for winger Mohamed Salah have stalled.
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Attributed to original sourceBesiktas director Onder Ozen confirms they are eager for ex-Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic, but he ‘prefers one of the major five leagues,’ while talks for Mohamed Salah stalled over ‘excessive demands.’
The Turkish side is very ambitious and has already made some impressive moves this summer, including the arrival of former Bologna and Fiorentina coach Vincenzo Italiano.
His presence is one of the main reasons why they still hope to convince Vlahovic , who is a free agent after his contract with Juventus was allowed to run down on June 30.
Besiktas confession on Vlahovic and Salah LECCE, ITALY – MAY 09: Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus FC celebrates the opening goal during the Serie A match between US Lecce and Juventus FC at Stadio Via del Mare on May 09, 2026 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images) “Regarding Vlahovic, since the player is a free agent, the matter is in his hands,” confessed Besiktas director of sport Onder Ozer during a press conference today.
“If he prefers one of the major five leagues, then Turkiye isn’t one of them. If an opportunity does arise for Vlahovic, then of course we would want to evaluate it as a club.
VILLARREAL, SPAIN – OCTOBER 01: Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD2 match between Villarreal CF and Juventus at Estadio de la Ceramica on October 01, 2025 in Villarreal, Spain. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images) “He had the best season of his career with Vincenzo Italiano at Fiorentina and the coach still occasionally speaks with him. He has great respect for the coach.
“There is surely a desire to work with him again, but the priority for players isn’t choosing a coach, it’s choosing a contract. I imagine Vlahovic is expecting a big contract and a team competing in the Champions League.”
TURIN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 04: Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 match between Juventus and Sporting Clube de Portugal at Juventus Stadium on November 04, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Stefano Guidi/Getty Images) Meanwhile, the conference was largely called to confirm that Besiktas talks with another free agent, ex-Liverpool legend Salah, have stalled.
“We met with Salah three times, explained the project, he met our coach. We stepped back from the table, the club has principles and we cannot deviate from those.
“We will not improve the offer that is on the table, so if they want to accept those terms, that is fine. There have been some excessive demands, especially the commission.”
It was also reported that Salah wanted a huge cut of jersey sales.
This does fit with the reports earlier today that Besiktas had turned towards Milan winger Rafael Leao as an alternative to Salah.
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What happened
Besiktas has been linked with several high-profile attacking targets ahead of the next transfer window. President Hasan Arat indicated that Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic would prefer to remain in one of Europe's top five leagues, making a move to Turkey unlikely. Additionally, Besiktas's pursuit of former Liverpool winger Mohamed Salah has reportedly stalled. The Turkish club is expected to pivot to alternative targets as they look to strengthen their squad for the upcoming season.
Chance analysis
For Besiktas, the failed approaches for marquee names like Vlahovic and Salah signal a ceiling in their recruitment pull compared to top-5 league clubs. Vlahovic's preference reinforces the reality that elite European strikers rarely view the Turkish Super Lig as a primary destination. This may push Besiktas toward more realistic targets and could affect their competitive standing domestically if they fail to secure adequate replacements.
Besiktas's chances of signing Vlahovic or Salah appear slim, likely leading them to pursue alternative attacking options before the window closes.
Besiktas is unlikely to land Vlahovic or Salah, meaning their attacking reinforcement will come from other targets — this does not directly impact upcoming top-5 league predictions but signals transfer market dynamics.