Dusan Vlahovic Signs for Besiktas: A Championship Promise to the Fans

Besiktas have completed one of the biggest moves of the summer transfer window. The club officially notified the Public Disclosure Platform (KAP) that they had reached a three-year agreement with free agent Serbian striker Dusan Vlahovic. Travelling to Istanbul by private jet from Belgrade alongside club president Serdal Adali and vice-president Murat Kilic, the 26-year-old was greeted by roughly 3,000 Besiktas supporters carrying flares and chanting at Ataturk Airport.

Met with overwhelming attention from fans, at times struggling to hear reporters' questions, Vlahovic posed for his first three-fingered salute with supporters before speaking in Turkish: "I'm very happy, it's a wonderful feeling. We want to become champions. I can't wait to play." The player also highlighted his special connection to the club's colours, saying: "Black and white have followed me my whole life. Partizan as a kid, then Juventus, and now Besiktas follows me."

According to the report, Vlahovic, whom head coach Vincenzo Italiano had persistently pursued and knows from their time together at Fiorentina, said Italiano's influence was decisive in his decision: "I spoke with my coach many times. I chose Besiktas because of Italiano's influence. I know Besiktas well. I know their goals too. I think I'll adapt very quickly." Vice-president Murat Kilic said: "Let our community be behind us, we will bring more stars. Dusan is a world star. Today we celebrate his honour," while club president Serdal Adali thanked Vincenzo Italiano, Onder Ozen and Eduard Graf for their role in the transfer. Vlahovic is expected to hold his official signing ceremony following a medical.

Image: Hürriyet