Mohamed Salah has joined Trabzonspor on a two-year deal, concluding his time at Liverpool. The move to the Turkish side follows a mutual agreement to end his contract a year early at Anfield, marking the end of a significant career in the Premier League.
The 34-year-old’s decision to remain in Europe with Trabzonspor has drawn attention, particularly given previous interest from Saudi Pro League clubs and Major League Soccer teams like Sporting Kansas City. These destinations could have offered substantial financial incentives, yet Salah opted for European football.
Trabzonspor confirmed Salah will receive £14.5m per season and a 20% share of revenue from merchandise. The club finished third in the Super Lig last season and is set to participate in this month’s Europa League play-offs. Success in these play-offs would lead to qualification for the league phase, while a defeat would place them in the Conference League.
Salah’s European Commitment and Trabzonspor’s Appeal
Salah’s choice to stay in Europe suggests a continued desire for continental competition. While Galatasaray, Fenerbahce, and Besiktas are often considered Turkey’s traditional football powerhouses, Trabzonspor presented a compelling offer after negotiations with Besiktas reportedly stalled over financial details.
Trabzonspor, a seven-time Turkish champion, recently won the Super Lig in 2021-22 and secured the Turkish Cup last season. Their third-place finish in the league also provides another chance for European qualification. The excitement surrounding Salah’s arrival was evident, with hundreds of supporters gathering to welcome him.
During his unveiling, Salah briefly wore a symbolic number 61 shirt, a tribute to the city of Trabzon. For the upcoming 2026-27 season, he will wear the number 10 shirt, a number he also uses for Egypt, after teammate Ernest Muci agreed to relinquish it.
Former Scotland midfielder Ryan Jack, who has played in Turkey for two seasons, noted the passionate nature of Turkish football fans. He stated that the big clubs have significant support and that fans are incredibly passionate.
Growing Appeal of Turkish Football
Salah’s transfer highlights the increasing attractiveness of Turkish football to established players. High-profile names such as Victor Osimhen, Leroy Sane, Ilkay Gundogan, Nathan Ake, and Leandro Trossard are currently playing in the Super Lig. Trabzonspor’s squad already includes players like Andre Onana, Ruslan Malinovskyi, and Stefan Savic.
Last summer, the Super Lig recorded the third-highest net transfer spend globally, trailing only the Premier League and the Saudi Pro League, which indicates the league’s growing ambition. This financial capacity is partly due to Turkish clubs generating substantial income in euros through Uefa competitions, while many domestic operating costs remain in Turkish lira. Additionally, the country’s prolonged period of high inflation has reduced the relative value of existing domestic debt, offering clubs more financial flexibility.
Reports in Turkey indicate Salah’s two-year contract is valued at approximately £7.3m per season, which is reportedly less than what he could have earned in Saudi Arabia, but includes additional bonuses and a share of merchandise revenue linked to his name. This financial structure allows the league to offer competitive salaries, passionate fanbases, and European football opportunities to players in the later stages of their careers.
Jack believes the league’s profile is continuously rising, stating that it is getting stronger each year with more big names joining. He added that Salah’s move is likely the biggest transfer to Turkey in recent years, demonstrating the league’s growth and potentially encouraging other top players to consider playing there. He also highlighted the presence of great stadiums, cities, and a competitive league.
Salah’s Continued Impact and Role at Trabzonspor
Despite his age, Salah has shown he can still perform at a high level. He was instrumental in guiding Egypt to the knockout stages of the 2026 World Cup, contributing one goal and two assists in five appearances. His output waned last season, with seven goals and seven assists in 27 league matches.
A year prior, in the 2024-25 season, Salah had a strong individual campaign, scoring 34 goals and providing 23 assists in all competitions. He was named Premier League Player of the Season, won the Golden Boot, and the Playmaker Award, becoming the first player to achieve all three in a single campaign.
Trabzonspor is expected to build their attack around Salah. Coach Fatih Tekke’s side typically plays in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Salah anticipated to occupy his customary position on the right wing, cutting inside onto his left foot. Tekke can also switch to a 4-3-3, maintaining Salah as a central figure in the team’s attacking strategy.
Salah’s arrival is seen as a significant boost for Trabzonspor, bringing a player with considerable pedigree to the Super Lig.
Source: bbc.com
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