World Cup 2026 Implications: Besiktas Faces Uphill Battle for Vlahovic and Salah

As the football world slowly turns its attention toward the monumental 2026 FIFA World Cup, club-level transfer dramas are already shaping the international landscape. For global superstars like Dusan Vlahovic and Mohamed Salah, securing the right club environment is paramount for their ambitions on the world stage. However, according to Football Italia, Turkish giants Besiktas are facing an uphill battle in their pursuit of both high-profile names. Besiktas director Onder Ozen recently addressed the club's ambitious transfer targets, confirming their keen interest in former Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic. The Serbian international, who recently became a free agent after departing the Turin giants, is a prime target for the Black Eagles. Yet, Ozen admits that luring the towering forward to Istanbul may be easier said than done. "We are eager for Vlahovic, but he would prefer to continue his career in the big five leagues," Ozen revealed, as reported by Football Italia. This stance makes perfect sense when considering the upcoming World Cup. Hosted across North America, the 2026 tournament represents a golden opportunity for Serbia. To arrive in peak form and secure his pivotal role leading the line, Vlahovic seemingly wants to remain in the intense spotlight of Europe’s elite leagues—England, Spain, Italy, Germany, or France—rather than making a lateral move to the Turkish Super Lig. The transfer update didn't stop with the Serbian striker. Ozen also provided a somewhat deflating update on Besiktas's sensational links to Liverpool icon Mohamed Salah. While the Egyptian King's contract situation at Anfield has kept rumor mills spinning, any potential move to Turkey appears to be firmly on hold. "As for Salah, the talks have stalled," Ozen confessed. Like Vlahovic, Salah's immediate club future carries immense weight for his national team. Egypt is fighting tooth and nail to secure their place on the world's biggest stage in 2026. Salah's domestic rhythm, fitness, and sharpness will dictate his readiness for those crucial qualifiers and, ultimately, the tournament itself. A stalled negotiation with Besiktas might ultimately be a blessing in disguise for the winger, keeping him firmly rooted in one of Europe's top leagues. For Besiktas, missing out on two global superstars will be a tough reality, but it highlights the shifting priorities in modern football. With an expanded 48-team World Cup looming on the horizon, the sport's biggest names are meticulously calculating their next career moves. As Football Italia notes, the magnetic draw of Europe's top-five leagues remains as strong as ever, serving as the ultimate proving ground for players dreaming of international glory in 2026.