Salah’s move to Turkey
Mohamed Salah has officially joined Turkish club Trabzonspor on a two-year deal, following the expiration of his contract with Liverpool. This move concludes a period of speculation regarding the forward’s next career step. Salah’s decision to join Trabzonspor has drawn attention, particularly given previous interest from clubs in the Saudi Pro League and Major League Soccer.
Salah, who is 34, opted to remain in European football. He will participate in the Europa League play-offs with Trabzonspor, with the potential to advance to the league phase or enter the Conference League if they do not qualify. Continuing in UEFA competition was reportedly a significant factor in his decision, especially after helping Egypt reach the knockout stages of the 2026 World Cup.
Trabzonspor confirmed that Salah will receive an annual salary, along with a share of revenue from Salah-branded merchandise. Reports in Turkey suggest a two-year contract until June 2028, with an annual value and additional bonuses.
Why Trabzonspor?
While Turkey’s traditional football powerhouses are often considered to be Galatasaray, Fenerbahce, and Besiktas, Trabzonspor is a significant club in its own right. They are seven-time Turkish champions, having won the Super Lig in 2021-22 and the Turkish Cup last season. The club finished third in the league, securing their spot in European competition.
The arrival of Salah marks a major signing for Trabzonspor, with hundreds of supporters gathering to welcome him. During his unveiling, he wore a symbolic number 61 shirt, representing Trabzon’s vehicle registration code. For the 2026-27 season, Salah will wear the number 10 shirt, a number he also wears for Egypt, after teammate Ernest Muci agreed to relinquish it.
The move highlights the growing appeal of Turkish football to established players. The Super Lig has attracted other high-profile names such as Victor Osimhen, Leroy Sane, Ilkay Gundogan, Nathan Ake, and Leandro Trossard. Trabzonspor’s squad also includes players like Andre Onana, Ruslan Malinovskyi, and Stefan Savic. The league’s ambition is reflected in its transfer spending, which was the third-highest globally last summer, behind only the Premier League and the Saudi Pro League.
The financial structure in Turkish football, where clubs generate 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 European football opportunities, makes the league an attractive option for players later in their careers.
Salah’s recent performance and role
Despite his age, Salah has shown he can still perform at a high level. He was instrumental in Egypt’s progression to the knockout stages of the 2026 World Cup, contributing one goal and two assists in five appearances. His final season at Liverpool saw him score 12 goals across all competitions. This followed a strong individual campaign a year prior, where he recorded 34 goals and 23 assists in all competitions as Liverpool won the Premier League title.
Trabzonspor is expected to build their attack around Salah. Under coach Fatih Tekke, the team typically plays in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Salah anticipated to play on the right wing, cutting inside onto his left foot. Tekke can also switch to a 4-3-3, maintaining Salah’s central role in the team’s attacking strategy.
The Super Lig is currently ranked as the 14th strongest domestic league globally by Opta. Turkish clubs have historically found sustained success in European competitions challenging, with only one Turkish side reaching the semi-finals of a major UEFA competition since Galatasaray won the UEFA Cup in 2000. Salah’s competitive debut for Trabzonspor could be on August 15, when they begin their Super Lig campaign away to Kasimpasa.
Source: bbc.com
