Trabzonspor signs Mohamed Salah to two-year deal
Mohamed Salah, the Egypt international, has signed a two-year contract with Trabzonspor to play in Turkiye next season. Salah became a free agent after concluding his tenure with Liverpool at the end of the previous campaign. His arrival in Istanbul on Wednesday to finalise the move to Trabzonspor was met by numerous fans.
The official signing ceremony for the 34-year-old Salah is scheduled for later Thursday. Salah established a significant legacy during his time with Liverpool, securing two league titles and the Champions League among eight major honours. He scored 257 goals in 442 appearances for the Merseyside club and is considered one of its greatest players.
Despite having a year remaining on his Liverpool contract, Salah announced his departure in March following what was described as a disappointing campaign, during which he scored 12 goals and experienced a public disagreement with then-coach Arne Slot.
Salah’s move to Trabzonspor
Salah’s decision to join Trabzonspor marks an unexpected turn for a player of his stature. Many anticipated his next move would involve clubs in Saudi Arabia, potentially aligning him with players like Cristiano Ronaldo, or Major League Soccer (MLS), offering encounters with Lionel Messi. Even within Europe, some expected him to join one of Turkey’s prominent Istanbul clubs.
While financial considerations are often a factor in transfers of this magnitude, with Trabzonspor committing approximately $19.5 million per season and 20% of merchandise revenue from items bearing his name, the financial aspect alone does not fully explain his choice. Saudi clubs reportedly had the capacity to offer more substantial financial packages, and MLS also presented an attractive alternative given Salah’s broad commercial appeal.
However, remaining in Europe appeared to be a more significant priority for Salah than securing the largest possible contract. Trabzonspor, a seven-time Turkish champion, finished third in the Super Lig last season. The club is set to participate in the UEFA Europa League play-offs later this month, with a victory leading to the league phase and a defeat guaranteeing UEFA Conference League football.
Continuing European competition
Although the Turkish top flight is not considered among Europe’s elite leagues, currently ranked as the 14th strongest domestic league globally by Opta, it provides Salah with consistent European competition within a demanding football environment. For a player who helped Egypt reach the knockout stages of this summer’s FIFA World Cup, maintaining his presence in European competitions was an important part of his decision-making process.
Trabzonspor’s appeal also stems from the opportunity for Salah to be a central figure in the club’s sporting and commercial ambitions. Unlike joining a squad already filled with established stars, he is positioned to become the focal point. This was evident even before his arrival in Trabzon, as numerous supporters gathered to welcome what is considered the biggest signing in the club’s history.
The transfer also reflects a broader trend in the Turkish league, which is increasingly attracting established international players who still seek to compete at a high level. Players such as Victor Osimhen, Leroy Sané, İlkay Gündoğan, Nathan Aké, and Leandro Trossard are now playing in Turkey, with Trabzonspor’s squad already including names like André Onana, Ruslan Malinovskyi, and Stefan Savić.
Former Rangers midfielder Ryan Jack, who spent two seasons in Turkey, believes Salah’s arrival will heighten international interest in the competition. Jack noted that his own family and friends began watching Turkish football after his move, and he anticipates Salah’s transfer will encourage more people to follow the league. He also highlighted the league’s growing reputation, with more prominent players joining each year, suggesting Salah’s move could persuade other top players to consider playing in Turkey, citing the quality of stadiums, cities, and competitive environment.
Salah’s final season at Liverpool, despite the reported difficulties with coach Arne Slot, saw him score 12 goals across all competitions. The season prior, he had a strong individual campaign, scoring 34 goals and providing 23 assists as Liverpool won the Premier League. He continued this form into the 2026 FIFA World Cup, contributing one goal and two assists in five appearances to help Egypt reach the knockout stages. Trabzonspor is expected to utilise Salah in his familiar right-sided attacking role, allowing him to cut inside onto his stronger left foot and remain a key part of the team’s offense.
Impact on the Turkish league
The move signifies that for Salah, the opportunity for European football, an ambitious sporting project, and a central role at the club outweighed the potential for greater commercial rewards or a brighter global spotlight elsewhere. Trabzonspor has won seven league titles, including the Super Lig in the 2021-22 season, and secured the Turkish Cup last season.
Salah’s signing with Trabzonspor was confirmed in a filing to the Turkish stock exchange on Thursday.
Source: aljazeera.com
