Salah’s move to Trabzonspor
Mohamed Salah has joined Trabzonspor on a two-year deal following the expiry of his contract with Liverpool. This move concludes months of speculation regarding the forward’s next club. Salah, a prominent figure in Premier League history, has opted to remain in Europe, despite previous interest from clubs in the Saudi Pro League and Major League Soccer.
The decision to join Trabzonspor has drawn attention, particularly given the club’s profile. While Saudi Arabian clubs, including Al-Ittihad, and MLS teams like Sporting Kansas City, reportedly offered significant financial incentives, Salah chose to continue his career in European football. His contract with Trabzonspor includes an annual payment and a 20% share of revenue from Salah-branded merchandise, as confirmed in a posting to the Turkish stock exchange.
Trabzonspor finished third in the Super Lig last season and is set to participate in the Europa League play-offs this month. Success in these play-offs would lead to qualification for the league phase, while a defeat would place them in the Conference League. This continued involvement in UEFA competitions appears to have been a significant factor for Salah, who contributed to Egypt’s World Cup campaign.
Turkish football’s growing appeal
Trabzonspor, a seven-time Turkish champion and winner of the Super Lig in 2021-22, also lifted last season’s Turkish Cup. The club’s third-place league finish secured another opportunity for European qualification. Salah’s arrival marks a significant moment for the club, with hundreds of supporters gathering to welcome him to Trabzon.
The move highlights Turkish football’s increasing attractiveness to established players. The Super Lig now features high-profile names such as Victor Osimhen, Leroy Sane, Ilkay Gundogan, Nathan Ake, and Leandro Trossard. Trabzonspor’s squad also includes Andre Onana, Ruslan Malinovskyi, and Stefan Savic. The league’s ambition is further demonstrated by its third-highest net transfer spend globally last summer, behind only the Premier League and Saudi Pro League.
The financial dynamics of Turkish football, with clubs generating substantial income in euros from UEFA competitions while many domestic costs are in Turkish lira, contribute to their ability to offer competitive salaries. This, combined with passionate fanbases and the prospect of European football, makes the league an appealing option for players in the later stages of their careers.
Salah’s continued impact
Despite concerns about his age, Salah’s recent performances suggest he can still make a considerable impact. He played a role in Egypt’s World Cup run, contributing one goal and two assists in five appearances. While his final season at Liverpool saw him score 12 goals across all competitions, he had a highly successful individual campaign a year prior, with 34 goals and 23 assists as Liverpool won the Premier League title.
Trabzonspor is expected to build its attack around Salah. Under coach Fatih Tekke, the team typically employs a 4-2-3-1 formation, where Salah is anticipated to play on the right wing, cutting inside onto his left foot. This role is familiar to him and aligns with his strengths as a prolific forward. Tekke also has the option to switch to a 4-3-3, maintaining Salah as a central figure in the team’s offensive strategy.
The excitement surrounding Salah’s arrival was evident during his unveiling, where he briefly wore a symbolic number 61 shirt, representing Trabzon’s vehicle registration code and holding special significance for local supporters. For the 2026-27 season, Salah will wear the number 10 shirt, a number he also wears for Egypt, after teammate Ernest Muci agreed to relinquish it. Salah’s competitive debut could occur on 15 August when Trabzonspor begins its Super Lig campaign away to Kasimpasa.
Source: bbc.com
