The short version
- Mohamed Salah has arrived in Istanbul to join Turkish Super Lig side Trabzonspor, concluding a high-profile search for a new club after leaving Liverpool.
- The forward departs the English Premier League following a final season marked by reduced minutes and reported tensions with manager Arne Slot.
- Trabzonspor, known as the Black Sea Storm, secures its biggest signing ever, adding Salah to a squad that includes Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana.
Mohamed Salah has officially begun his tenure at Trabzonspor, arriving in Turkey on Wednesday to widespread fanfare. Hundreds of supporters gathered outside Istanbul’s Ataturk Airport to greet the Egyptian international as he emerged wearing the club’s colors. The arrival marks the end of a prolonged period of uncertainty regarding his future after he departed Liverpool at the conclusion of the previous season. The forward, who spent nine years on Merseyside, is now set to compete in the Turkish Super Lig next term.
The move represents a significant shift for Salah, who leaves behind a legacy as one of Liverpool’s most decorated players. During his time in England, he scored 257 goals and helped secure two Premier League titles, a Champions League trophy, and multiple domestic cups. He also claimed the Premier League Golden Boot four times and was named PFA Player of the Year three times. Despite these achievements, his final campaign saw a notable decline in output, with just seven league goals scored.
Reports indicate that Salah’s departure from Liverpool was influenced by a falling out with head coach Arne Slot. Although he contributed 29 goals and 18 assists during the 2024-25 title-winning season, his playing time diminished in the subsequent campaign. Salah had announced his intention to leave a year before his contract expired, having previously signed a reported extension worth £400,000 per week in April 2025. This made him the highest-paid player in the club’s history at that time.
Trabzonspor, nicknamed the Black Sea Storm, has secured what is widely considered its biggest signing in history. The club, based in the northeastern city of Trabzon, has won seven league titles, with six occurring between 1976 and 1984. Their most recent championship came in 2022, ending a nearly four-decade drought. Salah joins a roster that already features high-profile talents, including Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana, who is on loan, and Cape Verdean internationals Wagner Pina and Sidny Lopes Cabral.
As a free agent, Salah’s transfer allows Trabzonspor to allocate more of their budget toward wages rather than transfer fees. The financial structure of the deal remains unclear, but the club’s ability to offer competitive compensation likely played a role in finalizing the agreement. Earlier reports suggested Salah was close to joining Besiktas, another Turkish giant, but those negotiations reportedly collapsed due to financial disagreements. Trabzonspor capitalized on this opening, initiating talks that culminated in his arrival.
The club built anticipation for the signing through social media campaigns, teasing the announcement with imagery linking Egyptian pyramids to their stadium, Papara Park. They also shared flight tracking information, allowing fans to monitor Salah’s journey into Istanbul. The forward himself posted a video from his private jet, addressing supporters with a message of imminent arrival. This strategic buildup contributed to the large turnout at the airport, where he was greeted with enthusiasm comparable to that reserved for major cinematic stars.
Salah will aim to help Trabzonspor navigate European competition next season. The club finished third in the domestic league, eight points behind champions Galatasaray. Their position places them in contention for the Europa League play-offs. Failure to advance to the league phase would result in a drop to the Conference League. With 50 Champions League goals to his name from his Liverpool days, Salah brings significant experience in high-stakes European matches.
The transfer underscores the global reach of Turkish football and its ability to attract top-tier talent. Salah’s presence adds international prestige to a club that has historically been one of only six teams to win the Super Lig. His arrival is expected to draw increased attention to the league, both domestically and abroad. As he settles into his new environment, the focus will shift to how quickly he can adapt to a new tactical system and contribute to Trabzonspor’s ambitions on multiple fronts.
For Liverpool, Salah’s departure marks the end of an era defined by consistency and goal-scoring prowess. His legacy as one of the club’s greatest players is secure, bolstered by his individual accolades and team successes. The transition at Anfield will now involve replacing a key figure who was central to their recent triumphs. Meanwhile, Salah begins a new chapter in Turkey, where he hopes to replicate some of his past success with a different set of challenges and opportunities.
The coming weeks will reveal how Salah integrates with his new teammates and coaches. His performance in pre-season matches and early league fixtures will provide insight into his form and fitness after a less active final season at Liverpool. Trabzonspor’s management faces the task of maximizing his impact while managing expectations among fans eager to see their star player in action. The outcome of this transition could influence not only Salah’s career trajectory but also the competitive landscape of Turkish football.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC News↗Salah set to sign for Turkish club Trabzonspor
