Vlahovic reunited with Italiano after joining Besiktas

Dusan Vlahovic has joined Besiktas on a three-year deal, signing for the Istanbul club on a free transfer following his departure from Juventus. The move sees the Serbian striker reunite with Vincenzo Italiano, the coach who worked with him during his final half-season at Fiorentina before his move to Turin.

Vlahovic left Juve when his contract expired at the end of last season, bringing an end to his four-year stint in Turin. Since joining the Bianconeri from Fiorentina in January 2022, only Inter's Lautaro Martinez (84) has scored more Serie A goals than the Serbian's 50 — level with Al-Hilal forward Victor Osimhen.

However, Vlahovic missed a large part of the 2025-26 season with a thigh injury, limiting him to just 19 league appearances as Juventus finished a disappointing sixth in Serie A.

Sporting director Giorgio Chiellini confirmed after Vlahovic's exit that his salary demands proved too great for Juve to meet. But Besiktas were undeterred, making the 54-cap Serbia international the latest big name to arrive in the Turkish Super Lig.

The deal, which Besiktas confirmed is worth €7.5m per year, follows Trabzonspor's signing of Mohamed Salah and Fenerbahce completing a move for Romelu Lukaku as Turkish clubs continue to flex their financial muscle on the European stage.

Reunion with a familiar face

In Istanbul, Vlahovic will link up once again with Italiano, who coached him during that final half-season at Fiorentina. Vlahovic netted 17 Serie A goals in the 2021-22 campaign overall — a single-season tally he has not reached since.

Besiktas finished fourth in the Super Lig last season and will need to come through qualifying rounds to reach the Europa League proper. They open their domestic campaign against Eyupspor on Sunday.