Mohamed Salah Lands in Turkey Ahead of Trabzonspor Move
The Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah stepped onto Turkish soil on Wednesday, greeted by hundreds of jubilant fans at Istanbul’s Ataturk Airport.
Wearing Trabzonspor’s claret and sky‑blue colours, Salah paused to acknowledge the crowd before making his way to the club’s headquarters.
A Free‑Agent Signing for the Black Sea Storm
Salah departed Liverpool after a nine‑year spell that yielded 257 goals and numerous trophies. Because he is joining as a free agent, Trabzonspor can allocate more of their budget to his wages rather than a transfer fee.
European Ambitions Resume
The club finished third in the Turkish Super Lig last season, eight points behind champions Galatasaray, securing a place in the Europa League play‑offs. Salah’s arrival adds firepower as Trabzonspor aim to progress further in Europe.
A Record‑Breaking Capture
Salah becomes the highest‑profile player ever to sign for Trabzonspor, a club with seven league titles, most recently won in 2022 after a 38‑year wait. He joins former Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge and ex‑Arsenal winger Nicolas Pepe, who have also donned the Black Sea Storm’s colours.
Liverpool Legacy
During his Liverpool tenure, Salah collected two Premier League titles, the Champions League, Club World Cup, UEFA Super Cup, FA Cup and two EFL Cups. He claimed the Premier League Golden Boot four times and was named PFA Player of the Year in 2018, 2022 and 2025.
Although he contributed 29 goals and 18 assists during Liverpool’s 2024‑25 title‑winning campaign, his playing time decreased the following season after a disagreement with former head coach Arne Slot, prompting his departure.
From Besiktas Rumours to Trabzonspor Confirmation
After announcing his exit from Liverpool, Salah was heavily linked with Besiktas; however, talks broke down over financial terms. Trabzonspor moved swiftly, teasing his arrival with a social‑media video featuring the Pyramids and Papara Park, and sharing live tracking of the private jet that brought him to Turkey.
In a video recorded aboard the flight, Salah told fans, “Trabzon, are you ready? See you very soon,” further fuelling the excitement that saw supporters gather en masse at the airport for a hero’s welcome.
Squad Additions
Trabzonspor’s roster also includes Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana on loan, plus Cape Verde internationals Wagner Pina and Sidny Lopes Cabral.
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