Mohamed Salah, the 34-year-old Egyptian football star, has officially joined Turkish club Trabzonspor, marking a major shift in his professional career. The announcement came after the club confirmed the signing via an official statement on Tuesday, 3 August 2026. Salah arrived in Istanbul on Wednesday morning, wearing a Trabzonspor jersey with his name and the number 10 printed on it. His presence triggered immediate excitement among fans, many of whom gathered at Istanbul Ataturk Airport to welcome him. As he stepped off the plane, some supporters chanted "Allahu Akbar," invoking the name of God, while others called out his name in unison. Salah’s move to Trabzonspor follows a period of uncertainty after he left Liverpool, where he spent nearly nine years. During that time, he became one of the most celebrated players in European football, scoring 257 goals in 442 appearances and helping the team win numerous titles including the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, and multiple domestic cups. After leaving Liverpool this summer, he was a free agent until the recent agreement with Trabzonspor. According to media reports, the deal includes a €5 million signing bonus and a guaranteed annual salary of €17 million, making the total compensation package worth approximately €39 million. Additionally, Salah is set to receive a 20 percent share of future sales of jerseys bearing his name. However, Trabzonspor has not officially confirmed these figures, and the club has remained silent on the specifics of the financial arrangements. The transfer has sparked considerable interest and discussion in Turkey, with fans from rival clubs also showing support. A Galatasaray supporter was spotted at the airport during the welcome ceremony but was later asked to remove his club’s jersey. Meanwhile, a Besiktas fan was overheard expressing joy at the news during a live stream. The enthusiasm extended beyond traditional football circles, with a truck circulating through Trabzon displaying videos and memes related to Salah’s career. Speculation about the financing of the transfer has also gained traction online. Social media users have linked the deal to potential sponsorships from companies such as Togg, the Turkish electric car manufacturer, Turkish Airlines, and Turkcell, the leading telecommunications provider in the country. These connections remain unconfirmed, though they reflect the broader economic interests tied to the high-profile acquisition. The role of key individuals in facilitating the transfer has also come under scrutiny. Berat Albayrak, the son-in-law of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and a native of Trabzon, has been cited as a possible architect of the deal. Others have pointed to former Transport Minister Adil Karaismailoglu, suggesting his influence might have played a part in securing the transfer. Both men have been prominent figures in Turkish politics and business, adding layers of complexity to the narrative surrounding Salah’s move. Trabzonspor, the fourth-largest football club in Turkey, is based in the Black Sea region and has long attracted visitors from the Gulf and Arab world due to its scenic landscapes. The club’s decision to sign Salah is likely to further elevate its profile both domestically and internationally. Salah is expected to travel to Trabzon later in the day, where he will begin preparations for the upcoming season. His arrival marks a new chapter in his storied career and brings heightened anticipation for the club’s performance in the coming months.
★
Keep the news honest.
ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €4/month.
Become a Supporter
United Kingdom
