Ex-Juventus striker Vlahovic reunites with Italiano at Besiktas
Quick summary
Dusan Vlahovic is set to join Besiktas, reuniting with former Fiorentina coach Vincenzo Italiano. The Serbian striker left Juventus this summer and is reportedly close to signing with the Turkish club.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceAs expected, former Juventus and Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic has landed in Istanbul to sign for Besiktas as a free agent, reuniting with coach Vincenzo Italiano.
The centre-forward was out of contract since his agreement with Juve was allowed to expire on June 30.
He had been hoping for another Serie A switch to Napoli or Milan, with an eye on potential Premier League interest from Arsenal and Chelsea, plus Barcelona or Atletico Madrid in LaLiga.
However, none of them were willing to meet his wage demands, so he relented and accepted the offer from Besiktas.
Vlahovic agrees terms with Besiktas 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) It is believed to be a three-year contract worth €8m per season plus performance-related bonuses taking it to €10m.
Vlahovic arrived this evening in Istanbul and did the traditional ‘eagle’ pose wearing his new jersey, then was mobbed by hundreds of excited fans waiting outside the airport.
Dusan is coming. pic.twitter.com/SPe6FfM6P4
— Beşiktaş JK (@Besiktas) August 12, 2026
The presence of former Fiorentina coach Italiano was decisive , as it was under his guidance that the Serbian had the most successful spell of his career.
There were a spectacular 20 goals in 24 games under Italiano at Fiorentina, along with four assists, in just six months in 2021.
That and a contract dispute prompted his sale to Juventus in January 2022 for €85.4m plus add-ons.
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What happened
Dusan Vlahovic, who departed Juventus at the end of last season, is on the verge of completing a move to Besiktas. The move would reunite him with Vincenzo Italiano, the coach under whom he enjoyed his breakout spell at Fiorentina before his €75M move to Juventus in January 2022. Italiano recently took charge at Besiktas, and the pair's prior successful partnership is a key factor in the transfer. The deal marks a significant new chapter for Vlahovic after a difficult final period at Juventus where he fell out of favor.
Chance analysis
This transfer represents a rehabilitation move for Vlahovic, who struggled for consistency and minutes at Juventus. Reuniting with Italiano — the coach who transformed him into one of Europe's most sought-after strikers at Fiorentina — offers a familiar tactical environment that could restore his goalscoring form. For Besiktas, acquiring a player of Vlahovic's caliber on what is likely a reduced fee signals ambition in the Turkish Super Lig and European competitions.
Vlahovic joins Besiktas in a likely bargain deal, ending his Juventus chapter; Besiktas gain a high-profile striker hoping to rediscover form under Italiano.
Vlahovic's move to Besiktas removes him from European top-flight relevance but signals a potential resurgence under a familiar coach; monitor his early-season output in Turkey.