Dusan Vlahovic risks Besiktas move in hope of securing Barcelona transfer

Dusan Vlahovic is taking a significant risk in an effort to keep open the possibility of joining Barcelona this summer, with Besiktas waiting for an answer to a lucrative offer for the Serbia striker.

According to Spanish newspaper Sport, Vlahovic and his representatives are monitoring developments in Barcelona’s transfer plans and remain convinced that an opportunity to move to the Catalan club could eventually emerge.

The 25-year-old has reportedly had a major proposal from Besiktas for almost a month. The Turkish club are offering him a signing-on bonus of more than €5m, along with a net annual salary of €8m in each of the two seasons covered by the proposed contract.

Sport says the package is financially beyond the reach of any other club currently interested in the player.

Vlahovic initially asked Besiktas for a reasonable amount of time to consider the offer. The club subsequently issued him with a final deadline, but the striker responded by requesting further time before making a decision.

The proposed move has not yet collapsed partly because Besiktas manager Vincenzo Italiano has asked the club’s hierarchy to remain patient. Italiano previously coached Vlahovic during the striker’s best spell at Fiorentina and is said to have complete confidence that he could make a decisive impact for the Turkish side.

Vlahovic’s representatives offered his services to Barcelona at the start of the transfer window. However, the Spanish club made it clear that he was not their priority and also rejected his initial financial demands.

At that stage, the striker was seeking a €10m signing-on fee and a net salary of €8m per year. Barcelona’s sporting department and manager Hansi Flick instead continue to prioritise Argentina forward Julian Alvarez and are prepared to fight to sign him.

Vlahovic has since reduced his financial expectations for Barcelona. His demands changed over time and after his final separation from Juventus, with the player lowering his terms to bring them closer to the Catalan club’s financial limits.

Despite that adjustment, Barcelona have yet to take concrete action. Vlahovic’s name remains under consideration, but there is still uncertainty over whether the club will decide to pursue the deal.

Barcelona recognise the Serbia international’s ability, although his recent physical problems and playing style have created considerable doubts within the club. Those concerns have contributed to his uncertain position in their recruitment plans, despite his efforts to make a move financially more realistic.

For now, Vlahovic is continuing to wait in the hope that Barcelona will change their stance. That strategy carries a clear danger, however, because Besiktas could withdraw their offer and leave him without a destination.

The Turkish club have given him until 10 August to respond. Until then, the striker is gambling on Barcelona resolving their own plans, while risking the opportunity to join Besiktas if the deadline passes without an agreement.