Ex-Juventus striker Vlahovic reunites with Italiano at Besiktas | OneFootball

As expected, former Juventus and Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic is travelling to 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 flew to Istanbul this evening and did the traditional ‘eagle’ pose wearing his new jersey, with hundreds of excited fans waiting outside the airport.

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.