Trabzonspor set to sign Mohamed Salah after his arrival in Turkey
Mohamed Salah, the former Liverpool forward, is expected to finalise his move to Turkish club Trabzonspor. The Egypt captain arrived in Istanbul on Wednesday, where he was greeted by hundreds of enthusiastic fans at Ataturk Airport.
Wearing Trabzonspor colours, Salah engaged with the crowd before heading for a medical check. He is then scheduled to travel east to Trabzon for the signing ceremony, which is anticipated to take place on Thursday.
Salah’s Departure from Liverpool and Arrival in Turkey
Salah, 34, departed Liverpool at the conclusion of last season after a nine-year tenure on Merseyside. During his time with the club, he scored 257 goals in 442 appearances. His achievements include winning two Premier League titles, the Champions League, the Club World Cup, the Uefa Super Cup, the FA Cup, and two EFL Cups.
In the 2024-25 season, Salah recorded 29 Premier League goals and 18 assists, matching the league record for most goal involvements in a single season and setting a new record for a 38-game campaign. He was recognised as the Premier League Player of the Season, and also secured the Golden Boot and the Playmaker Award, becoming the first player to win all three in one season.
However, his output saw a reduction in the subsequent season, with seven goals and seven assists in 27 league matches. He was also left on the bench for Champions League games, which reportedly led to a public disagreement with then-manager Arne Slot.
Reports indicate that Salah had been close to joining another Turkish club, Besiktas, but negotiations reportedly stalled due to financial and image-rights demands. Following this, Trabzonspor announced on Tuesday that they had initiated negotiations with Salah.
The club chairman, Ertugrul Dogan, confirmed that they expected to sign Salah as a free agent. Salah himself posted a video on social media, stating, “Trabzon, are you ready? I can hear you. See you very soon.”
Impact on Trabzonspor and Turkish Football
Salah’s transfer is considered one of the most significant in Turkish football history. Trabzonspor, known as the Black Sea Storm, finished third in the Super Lig last season, eight points behind champions Galatasaray. They are set to compete in European football next season, entering the Europa League play-offs, and would drop to the Conference League if they do not progress.
The club has previously won seven league titles, with their most recent success in 2022 ending a 38-year wait. They are one of only six teams to have won the Turkish Super Lig. Salah’s arrival sees him join former Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge and former Arsenal winger Nicolas Pepe at the club.
This signing represents a notable shift in strategy for Trabzonspor, who have typically focused on developing young players. The club hopes Salah’s presence will boost supporter attendance at Papara Park, increase shirt sales, and broaden their commercial appeal, particularly in the Middle East and among the Arab community in Trabzon.
The Turkish league has seen numerous global stars, including Roberto Carlos, Didier Drogba, Robin van Persie, Samuel Eto’o, Mesut Ozil, and Wesley Sneijder. This season, fans will also see players like N’Golo Kante and Ederson at Fenerbahce, and Victor Osimhen, Ilkay Gundogan, and Leroy Sane at Galatasaray, alongside Salah at Trabzonspor.
Salah began his European career with Swiss side Basel in 2012, later joining Chelsea, and had stints at Fiorentina and Roma between 2015 and 2017 before his move to Liverpool.
Salah’s Career Highlights and Future Prospects
During his time in England, Salah won the Premier League Golden Boot on four occasions and was named the Professional Footballers’ Association player of the year three times, in 2018, 2022, and 2025. He has also scored 50 Champions League goals.
As a free agent, Trabzonspor will be able to allocate more of their budget towards Salah’s wages. The club’s social media accounts teased his arrival with a video showing the Pyramids next to Papara Park, followed by an announcement that negotiations had begun.
Salah’s flight into Istanbul was trackable, leading to the large gathering of fans. His arrival is expected to bring a renewed sense of excitement to the club and its supporters.
The transfer is set to be confirmed following his medical examinations and the signing ceremony in Trabzon.
Source: bbc.co.uk