Trabzonspor confirms Mohamed Salah signing after Liverpool departure
Mohamed Salah has officially joined Turkish club Trabzonspor on a two-year deal following the expiration of his contract with Liverpool. The move concludes months of speculation regarding the Egyptian forward’s next club.
The 34-year-old’s arrival in Turkey generated significant excitement, with hundreds of fans gathering at Ataturk Airport in Istanbul to welcome him. Later, at Trabzon airport, Salah led supporters in traditional chants, underscoring the anticipation surrounding his transfer.
Salah’s Decision to Remain in Europe
Despite considerable interest from clubs in the Saudi Pro League and Major League Soccer, Salah prioritised staying in European football. Reports indicate that Saudi Arabian clubs, including Al-Ittihad, had identified him as a key target, while Sporting Kansas City was among the MLS teams pursuing his signature. These destinations could have offered substantial financial incentives.
Trabzonspor confirmed to the Turkish stock exchange that Salah will receive £14.5m per season, in addition to a 20% share of revenue from merchandise bearing his name. This financial package, combined with the opportunity to compete in UEFA competitions, appears to have been a significant factor in his decision.
Trabzonspor finished third in the previous Super Lig season, securing a spot in this month’s Europa League play-offs. Should they not advance, they will enter the Conference League. For a player who helped Egypt reach the knockout stages of the 2026 World Cup and had a strong 2024-25 campaign, continued participation in European football was a key consideration.
Impact on Trabzonspor and Turkish Football
Salah’s transfer is considered one of the biggest in Trabzonspor’s history. The club, based in the north-eastern city of Trabzon, has won the Super Lig seven times, with their most recent title in 2021-22, and also lifted last season’s Turkish Cup.
The signing marks a strategic shift for Trabzonspor, which has historically focused on developing young talent. Club president Ertugrul Dogan expressed the significance of the acquisition, stating that it sends a message about Trabzonspor’s ambition to attract top players. The move is expected to boost fan engagement, increase shirt sales, and broaden the club’s commercial appeal, particularly in the Middle East.
Salah will wear the number 10 shirt for the 2026-27 season, a number he also uses for Egypt, after teammate Ernest Muci agreed to relinquish it. During his unveiling, Salah briefly wore a symbolic number 61 shirt, representing Trabzon’s vehicle registration code and its significance to local supporters.
The Super Lig has increasingly attracted high-profile players. Current names in the league include Victor Osimhen, Leroy Sane, Ilkay Gundogan, Nathan Ake, and Leandro Trossard. Trabzonspor’s squad also features Andre Onana, Ruslan Malinovskyi, and Stefan Savic. The league’s growing appeal is partly attributed to its ability to offer competitive salaries and European football, alongside passionate fanbases.
Former Scotland midfielder Ryan Jack, who has played in Turkey for two seasons, noted the passion of Turkish football fans and the league’s rising profile. He believes Salah’s move will encourage other top players to consider joining the Super Lig, highlighting the quality of stadiums, cities, and the competitive nature of the league.
Salah’s Continued Performance
Despite entering the later stages of his career, Salah continues to demonstrate his ability. He was instrumental in leading Egypt to the knockout stages of the 2026 World Cup, contributing one goal and two assists in five appearances.
While his final season at Liverpool saw the team finish fifth in the Premier League, and he scored 12 goals across all competitions, his previous campaign was highly successful, with 34 goals and 23 assists as Liverpool won the Premier League title. Trabzonspor is expected to build its attack around Salah, with manager Fatih Tekke likely to deploy him in his familiar right-wing role within a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 formation.
Salah’s competitive debut for Trabzonspor is anticipated on 15 August, when the club begins its Super Lig campaign away to Kasimpasa.
Source: bbc.com
Nathan Crowley is the Sports News Writer at NewsUK, covering rugby union, golf and boxing with six years of reporting experience. He moved from regional newspapers into digital sport. He holds a degree in Journalism from Cardiff University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Cardiff, he plays amateur rugby and follows the Six Nations closely. “Speed and accuracy are not a trade-off in sport news.”
