Trabzonspor recently welcomed Mohamed Salah in a historic unveiling at Papara Park, drawing over 30,000 supporters. Fans chanted the name of the “Egyptian King” as he was presented in a number 10 shirt alongside club president Ertuğrul Doğan.
Salah has signed a two-season deal that extends until the summer of 2028. Upon stepping onto the pitch, he was met with a storm of chants and applause, which he reciprocated by heading towards the stands to share in the supporters’ joy and lead their chants.
Doğan expressed his enthusiasm, stating that Salah represents a quality addition to the team and thanking the attendees for the historic turnout. Salah, visibly moved, conveyed his happiness despite the language barrier, noting that he had never witnessed such a display of love and support. He expressed his eagerness to begin training and play matches for Trabzonspor, with a clear goal to win.
Salah’s move to Trabzonspor
Salah’s transfer to Trabzonspor has been described as the biggest blockbuster transfer in Turkish football history. The move came as a surprise to some, including former Liverpool centre-back Jamie Carragher, who believed Salah was too good for the Turkish Super Lig. Carragher suggested Salah could still play at a higher level, possibly in Serie A with clubs like AC Milan or Juventus, questioning if his wage demands influenced his choice.
However, the decision aligns with Salah’s personal and family considerations after 22 years of focusing on his career’s broader implications. His intention was to remain in Europe with an ambitious club where he could play a leading role, supported by a passionate fanbase, and in a city comfortable for his family. Having lived in Switzerland, Italy, and England, he also desired a new experience.
Trabzonspor’s approach to negotiations was a key factor. Unlike Besiktas, who were also in talks with Salah but reportedly used the media to pressure him, Trabzonspor worked quietly and respectfully to finalise the agreement. Doğan had previously indicated that an agreement had not been reached, despite widespread fan anticipation and banners adorned with Salah’s face appearing across the city.
Salah’s business partner, Ramy Abbas, had to counter reports on X suggesting a done deal with Besiktas, effectively ending their pursuit. Besiktas’s sporting director, Önder Özent, later attributed the situation to “crazy demands.”
The journey to Trabzonspor
Salah’s European journey began after the Port Said Stadium disaster in 2012, which led to the suspension of football in Egypt. Georg Heitz, then sporting director of FC Basel, received an email with a video of Salah, titled ‘Mohamed Salah’. Heitz described Salah as “something else,” noting his exceptional talent even in a compilation video.
Ruedi Zbinden, Basel’s chief scout, had already flagged Salah in their recruitment system. Roberto Crausaz, who scouted South America, had observed Salah at the U20 World Cup in Colombia six months prior, despite it being outside his usual territory. Crausaz recalled Salah’s speed, unpredictability, and strong dribbling, noting that he always made something happen when he had the ball.
Crausaz emphasised the importance of an open mind in scouting, especially for clubs like Basel without the budget of teams like Real Madrid. He highlighted Salah’s inherent talent, stating that certain qualities like controlling the ball at speed and putting fear into defences cannot be taught. Basel ultimately pursued Salah despite scepticism about Egyptian players succeeding in Europe.
Trabzonspor, which finished third in the Super Lig last season, eight points behind champions Galatasaray and five behind runners-up Fenerbahce, aims to win the league and grow into a European force with Salah’s signing. They last won the Super Lig title in the 2019-20 season.
Source: goal.com
