Besiktas’ Transfer Ambitions: Vlahovic Dreams of Top Five Leagues, Salah Talks Stalled

FolioPitch.com – 27 July 2026 | In a revealing press conference, Besiktas director of sport Onder Ozer laid bare the club’s transfer struggles, confirming that the narrative of Besiktas Vlahovic would prefer big 5 leagues Salah talks have stalled is indeed accurate. The Turkish powerhouse has set its sights on two high-profile free agents – ex-Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic and former Liverpool legend Mohamed Salah – but faces significant hurdles in landing either.

Regarding Vlahovic, Ozer admitted that while Besiktas is eager to secure the Serbian international, the player’s priority remains a move to one of Europe’s major five leagues. “Since the player is a free agent, the matter is in his hands,” Ozer explained. “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.” The 26-year-old striker left Juventus after his contract expired on June 30, despite a career-best season under former Fiorentina coach Vincenzo Italiano – now at the helm of Besiktas. Italiano’s presence is a key factor, as he maintains a strong relationship with Vlahovic, but Ozer stressed that “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.”

The situation with Mohamed Salah is even more stagnant. Ozer confirmed that Besiktas held three meetings with the Egyptian winger, introduced him to the project and to coach Italiano, but ultimately walked away. “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.” Reports also indicated that Salah demanded a significant cut of jersey sales, a request Besiktas deemed unreasonable.

This development underscores the persistent theme: Besiktas Vlahovic would prefer big 5 leagues Salah talks have stalled as the club navigates the complexities of the transfer market. With Vlahovic leaning toward a top-five league move and Salah’s representatives making “excessive demands,” Besiktas may need to recalibrate its strategy. The club has already turned its attention to alternatives, with Milan winger Rafael Leao emerging as a potential target.

Besiktas has been ambitious this summer, having appointed Italiano and made several high-profile moves. However, the gap between ambition and reality is evident in these transfer sagas. Vlahovic’s desire to compete in a top European league – such as Serie A, La Liga, Premier League, Bundesliga, or Ligue 1 – means Turkiye, despite its rising status, remains a secondary option. The striker’s agent is likely fielding offers from clubs in those leagues, including those with Champions League participation.

Meanwhile, Salah’s camp continues to hold out for a contract that reflects his star status. The 32-year-old, who left Liverpool after a storied career, has attracted interest from various clubs, but the financial demands have cooled Besiktas’ pursuit. The club’s refusal to bow to “excessive demands” demonstrates a disciplined approach, but it also leaves them without a marquee signing.

In conclusion, the transfer window is far from closed, and Besiktas remains active. Yet the current situation – Besiktas Vlahovic would prefer big 5 leagues Salah talks have stalled – highlights the challenges of competing with Europe’s elite. The club may need to pivot to realistic targets, leveraging Italiano’s reputation and the allure of the Istanbul giant, but the outcome remains uncertain. For now, Besiktas fans must wait and see if the club can turn its ambitions into signings.