Leandro Trossard’s Fresh Start at Beşiktaş and in Turkey’s Süper Lig

The Black Eagles made a strong home debut on Matchday 1 of the 2026-27 season. Here are all the details.

Leandro Trossard has begun a new adventure in Turkey. At 31, the Belgian international left Arsenal after being part of the team that won the 2025-26 English Premier League and joined Beşiktaş as one of the biggest signings in the club’s history and in the Turkish Süper Lig.

The deal was completed for $21 million, making the Belgian the second-most expensive signing in Black Eagles history, behind only Orkun Kökçü, for whom the club paid around $35 million. Trossard signed a three-year contract with an option for a fourth season and will earn a guaranteed salary of around $7.6 million per year.

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A 62-Minute Debut and Fans Already Behind Him

Trossard started his Süper Lig debut in Beşiktaş’s 1-0 victory over Eyüpspor. The Belgian Red Devils international played 62 minutes before being substituted, officially beginning his journey in Turkish football. As he left the pitch, he received a warm reception from fans who already have high expectations for the experienced international.

His first appearance for the club came a few days earlier in the Europa League qualifying third round, when he came on in the 66th minute of the 1-0 win over Hradec Králové of the Czech Republic.

His official presentation also highlighted the excitement surrounding the signing. More than 20,000 fans attended Tüpraş Stadium to welcome the Belgian, who delivered a direct message: “I came here to bring Beşiktaş back to its former days of success.” He also said he wants to “experience better moments in the Beşiktaş shirt.”

A Champion Looking to Write a New Chapter

Trossard arrives after an important spell with Arsenal, where he made 174 appearances, scoring 36 goals and providing 34 assists. During the last Premier League campaign, he contributed six goals and six assists in 31 appearances and was part of the team that ended a 22-year wait for the English league title. He also won the Community Shield with the Gunners.

His trophy cabinet also includes titles with Genk and Westerlo, while he established himself as a veteran presence for Belgium. Now he joins a Beşiktaş side looking to regain its place among Turkey’s elite. The club have not won the Süper Lig since 2021 and finished fourth last season.

That makes the sporting challenge significant. Trossard wants to win trophies and leave his mark in Turkey, drawing on the experience he has accumulated throughout his career.

His arrival also coincides with a new chapter in his personal life. In May 2026, his wife Laura Hilven confirmed that they had separated after nearly 13 years together and seven years of marriage. The couple have two children and asked for privacy during the process.

Trossard and Vlahović: A Partnership to Get Excited About

The arrival of Dušan Vlahović could further enhance the Belgian’s impact. The Serbian striker joined Beşiktaş as a free agent from Juventus and signed a contract through 2029.

On the pitch, their skill sets could complement each other well. Trossard can start from the left, drift into central areas, combine with teammates and create the final pass, while Vlahović offers physical presence, hold-up play and finishing ability inside the box.

The formula could be an exciting one: Trossard providing creativity and attacking flair; Vlahović delivering goals and a presence in the box.

For the Belgian, Beşiktaş represents much more than a change of leagues. After winning the Premier League and becoming an established figure with Belgium, he arrives in Istanbul as a veteran with a clear mission: help the club start winning again and write another important chapter in his career.