Salah’s move to Turkey
Mohamed Salah has officially joined Trabzonspor on a two-year contract, following the expiration of his deal with Liverpool. The agreement was confirmed on Thursday, concluding a period of speculation regarding the Egypt international’s next club. His arrival in Istanbul on Wednesday was met by numerous fans, and his official signing ceremony was scheduled for later on Thursday.
The move sees Salah, a prominent figure in Premier League history, continue his career in Europe. He had been a free agent after departing Liverpool at the end of last season. During his time with Liverpool, Salah secured eight major honours, including two league titles and the Champions League. He scored 257 goals in 442 appearances for the Merseyside club.
Despite interest from Saudi Pro League clubs and Major League Soccer teams like Sporting Kansas City, Salah chose to remain in European football. His decision to join Trabzonspor, a club known for challenging Turkey’s established football order, has surprised many observers.
Why Trabzonspor?
Trabzonspor, a seven-time Turkish champion, finished third in the Super Lig last season and secured the Turkish Cup. The club will participate in this month’s Europa League play-offs, with victory potentially leading to the league phase or, in case of defeat, entry into the Conference League. Continuing to compete in UEFA competitions appears to have been a significant factor in Salah’s choice.
The excitement surrounding Salah’s arrival was evident, with hundreds of supporters gathering to welcome him. During his unveiling, he briefly wore a symbolic number 61 shirt, a tribute to the city of Trabzon, before confirming he will wear the number 10 shirt for the 2026-27 season, a number he also uses for Egypt.
Trabzonspor has been able to offer an attractive financial package. A posting to the Turkish stock exchange confirmed that Salah will receive a share of revenue from Salah-branded merchandise. The club’s squad already includes notable players such as Andre Onana, Ruslan Malinovskyi, and Stefan Savic.
Turkish football’s growing appeal
Salah’s transfer highlights the increasing attractiveness of Turkish football to established players. Other high-profile names currently playing in the Super Lig include Victor Osimhen, Leroy Sane, Ilkay Gundogan, Nathan Ake, and Leandro Trossard. The league’s ambition was demonstrated last summer when it recorded the third-highest net transfer spend globally, behind only the Premier League and the Saudi Pro League.
The financial structure of Turkish clubs, which generate significant income in euros from UEFA competitions while many domestic operating costs are in Turkish lira, contributes to their ability to offer competitive salaries. This, combined with passionate fanbases and the opportunity for European football, makes the league an appealing destination for players in the later stages of their careers.
Despite attracting notable talent, the Super Lig is ranked by Opta as the 14th strongest domestic league in world football. However, for Salah, the move allows him to continue playing in continental competitions within a fervent environment. He inspired Egypt to the knockout stages of the 2026 World Cup, contributing one goal and two assists in five appearances.
Salah’s final season at Liverpool saw the team finish fifth in the Premier League. He scored 12 goals across all competitions during that campaign. Trabzonspor is expected to build their attack around him, with Salah likely to occupy his familiar position on the right wing in a 4-2-3-1 formation, cutting inside onto his left foot.
Source: bbc.com
