Besiktas Signs Vlahovic, Intensifying Competition for Korean Striker Oh Hyeon-gyu

Besiktas, a Turkish professional football club, has signed Serbian international striker Dusan Vlahovic, intensifying competition for Korean forward Oh Hyeon-gyu. The club announced on its website that Vlahovic had arrived in Istanbul to complete his medical tests and transfer procedures. Football transfer market expert Fabrizio Romano reported that Vlahovic agreed to a three-year contract with Besiktas, running until 2029.

Vlahovic joins Besiktas as a free agent after his contract with Italy's Juventus concluded at the end of last season. Local reports indicate Besiktas will pay Vlahovic a base salary of 8 million euros (approximately $8.7 million) annually, with potential bonuses bringing the total up to 10 million euros ($10.8 million). Since his transfer from Fiorentina to Juventus in January 2022, Vlahovic scored 68 goals in 168 official matches and has netted 16 goals in 41 international appearances for Serbia.

"I am happy and proud to be here. I know what I need to do," Vlahovic stated, expressing confidence. His arrival, however, presents a significant challenge for Oh Hyeon-gyu. The 190cm (6'3") tall striker Oh, who joined Besiktas in February from KRC Genk, had become a regular starter, scoring 8 goals and providing 2 assists in 16 official matches, including 6 goals in 13 league games. He also scored the winning goal for South Korea in their World Cup qualifier against Czech Republic.

With the new season approaching and a formidable competitor now on the roster, Oh Hyeon-gyu's position within the team appears less secure. While Oh has attracted interest from clubs like newly promoted Premier League side Hull City during the summer transfer window, no concrete offers have materialized yet. Vlahovic's signing thus casts uncertainty over Oh's future role at Besiktas.

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I am happy and proud to be here. I know what I need to do.