Turkish Super Lig club Trabzonspor have launched formal transfer negotiations to sign former Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah on a free transfer, with club officials expecting the 34-year-old Egyptian star to arrive in Istanbul for medical checks.
Turkish football is at the center of the summer transfer window’s most high-profile pursuit.
The development marks a sudden turn in a market where Salah’s destination has remained intensely debated. After leaving Liverpool following a historic nine-year spell in which he scored 257 goals in 442 appearances, the Egyptian captain chose to defer any final career decisions until after Egypt’s run at the 2026 World Cup, where he led the Pharaohs to the round of 16 before a 3-2 defeat to Argentina.
Trabzonspor’s Move and Istanbul Arrival Plans
According to statements released on Turkey’s public disclosure platform, Trabzonspor initiated formal discussions to bring the former Chelsea and Roma winger to the Black Sea side. Club chairman Ertugrul Dogan outlined the anticipated travel schedule to broadcaster A Spor, noting that Salah was expected to undergo medical checks in Istanbul before traveling onward to Trabzon.
While initial reports from outlets like Foot Mercato indicated a full agreement was close, club president Dogan tempered expectations regarding an immediate deal.
Ertugrul Dogan stated via Sports Yahoo that while a lot was being said, there was no agreement with Mohamed Salah, adding that no arrangements had been made for him to travel to Trabzonspor the following day and noting that had there been such a plan, the media and fans would have been informed of it.
Dogan added that while the club would naturally desire a player of Salah’s caliber, negotiations remained ongoing and required formal finalization.
Hijacking Besiktas Talks and Lucrative Financial Proposals
Trabzonspor’s emergence as frontrunners effectively upended rival Istanbul club Besiktas, who had previously held advanced talks with Salah’s representatives. Besiktas football director Onder Ozen acknowledged that his club had put its pursuit on hold after negotiations hit a dead end over financial demands and image rights.
To secure the forward, Trabzonspor put together a lucrative proposal. Turkish journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglu reported that the club tabled an offer worth €17 million per year on a two-year contract, a package that would make Salah the highest-paid player in Turkish league history if completed.
The financial scale of the operation involves corporate backing. Reports indicate that an institutional sponsor agreed to shoulder a portion of the bonus structure to facilitate the signing.
Local Excitement and Municipal Reaction in Trabzon
The prospect of signing a player who won two Premier League titles, the Champions League, and numerous domestic honors with Liverpool has galvanized the local community. Ahmet Metin Genç, the mayor of Trabzon, voiced immense enthusiasm for the potential arrival of a global icon.
Yes of course, it’s a big global star, Mohamed Salah without a doubt, we would be very happy if he was in our team, he will carry the team on his shoulders with all his might, and he will bring an atmosphere of seriousness to our city and to Trabzonspor. Ahmet Metin Genç, Mayor of Trabzon, via Yallakora
Genç added that while club leadership maintained discretion regarding ongoing discussions, supporters are hopeful the potential acquisition will provide a decisive catalyst as Trabzonspor prepares to enter the Europa League playoff round following a third-place finish in the Super Lig last season.
Wider Market Competition and Unresolved Details
Despite the advanced nature of talks with Trabzonspor, outside competition remains active. Saudi Pro League clubs, notably Al-Ittihad, continue to monitor Salah’s status after previously registering strong interest in securing the Egyptian forward.
Dervish Köz, a Trabzonspor board member and treasurer, reiterated that Ertugrul Dogan holds sole authority over transfer operations at the club, pointing back to the president’s cautions regarding formal agreements. As negotiations continue, neither party has confirmed a definitive timeline for contract execution.
