'Oh Hyun-gyu's sudden blow': There was a 'real first pick' for the new coach... Blahovic, imminent transfer to Besiktas "Top-front upheaval → Starter competition on high alert"

*This content was translated by AI.

The position of Besiktas striker Oh Hyun-gyu (25) has hit a major obstacle. With the club on the verge of signing top European-verified striker Doosan Blahovic (26), a fierce battle for the starting spot is expected.

European transfer market expert Fabrizio Romano reported on the 12th (Korea time) that "Besiktas has reached a verbal agreement with Blahovic on a three-year contract until 2029." Only medical tests and official signing procedures remain.

The contract size is at the highest level within the team. According to reports, Besiktas agreed to pay Blahovic a base salary of 8 million euros (approximately 13 billion won), with a maximum of 10 million euros (approximately 16.3 billion won) upon option fulfillment. The signing bonus also reaches 10 million euros. After his contract with Juventus expired, Blahovic, who was seeking a new team, accepted Besiktas' offer backed by massive financial power.

This transfer is particularly painful for Oh Hyun-gyu as it goes beyond simply adding a competitor. This acquisition was led by newly appointed Besiktas coach Vincenzo Italiano. Coach Italiano previously worked with Blahovic during his time at Fiorentina in Italy, where he guided the striker's explosive scoring ability.

As Blahovic is being signed as the core of the project directly envisioned by the coach, there is a high probability he will immediately become the number one striker. Unless tactical variables such as a two-striker system are introduced, Oh Hyun-gyu is likely to be pushed to the bench.

Oh Hyun-gyu left Genk in February, joining Besiktas with a transfer fee of approximately 15 million euros (about 24.5 billion won), the highest in the club's history. He made a smooth start by scoring eight goals in 16 official matches during the second half of last season and recently fired his goal-scoring machine in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Czech Republic, raising expectations.

However, the early part of this season has seen somewhat stagnant form. Although he has consistently started in UEFA Europa League (UEL) qualifiers, he has yet to register an attacking point. Consequently, critical assessments from local media and experts have begun to emerge. Turkish commentator Abdulkerim Durmaz harshly criticized Oh Hyun-gyu on a broadcast, stating, "Oh Hyun-gyu is passionate but not a striker with the class required for Besiktas," while also arguing for the need to sign a replacement.

Oh Hyun-gyu has previously faced narrowing opportunities and was forced to seek transfers following coaching changes at both Celtic FC and Genk. With the arrival of a new head coach coinciding with the major acquisition of a positional competitor, Oh Hyun-gyu now faces another critical test for survival on the European stage.

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*This content was translated by AI.