Dušan Vlahović and Romelu Lukaku are set to leave Serie A for Istanbul within the space of a few days. These two major moves illustrate the growing attractiveness of the Süper Lig on the market for top European strikers.
Vlahović to Beşiktaş as a free agent
After four and a half seasons in Turin, Vlahović left Juventus upon the expiry of his contract on 30 June 2026. The Serbian striker agreed terms with Beşiktaş on a three-year deal and was due to travel to Istanbul as early as 12 August to complete the final administrative stages of his arrival.
At 26 years old, he arrives in Turkey with solid Serie A experience behind him, having first made his name at Fiorentina before establishing himself as Juventus's go-to striker.
Lukaku on the verge of joining Fenerbahçe
Romelu Lukaku is also heading to Istanbul, but as part of a separate deal. The Belgian is set to leave Napoli after two seasons, with Fenerbahçe and the Neapolitan club having reached an agreement for a permanent transfer. The player has also given his consent to the Istanbul club, even though the final formalities have yet to be completed.
A former player at Inter, Chelsea and Roma, Lukaku brings considerable experience of European football at the highest level, as well as a particularly powerful centre-forward profile.
A strong signal for Turkish football
Two Istanbul clubs, two high-profile strikers, two deals that tell the same story of evolution. The Süper Lig is demonstrating that it is now capable of attracting players who, just a few years ago, would have been more readily associated with the major leagues of Western Europe.
For Serie A, the symbolism is powerful: it is losing two key strikers in the same transfer window. For Turkish football, it is quite the opposite — Istanbul is confirming its ambition to establish itself as one of the major destinations on the European transfer market.
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