Why Liverpool icon Mohamed Salah has chosen Turkish side Trabzonspor
After leaving Liverpool, Mohamed Salah has completed a surprising move to Turkish club Trabzonspor on a two-year deal, turning down lucrative Saudi offers.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Mohamed Salah joins Turkish club Trabzonspor on a two-year contract after his Liverpool exit
- Set to earn £14.5m per season along with a 20% share of Salah-branded merchandise revenue
- Chose to remain in European football despite strong interest from Saudi Pro League clubs
- Will wear the number 10 shirt for the 2026-27 season after Ernest Muci relinquished it
After months of speculation regarding his next career move, Mohamed Salah's destination has finally been confirmed. The 34-year-old Liverpool legend agreed to a two-year deal with Turkish side Trabzonspor on Thursday following the expiration of his contract at Anfield, bringing a definitive end to one of the most prolific careers in Premier League history.
For years, clubs in the Saudi Pro League pursued the Egyptian forward as a top priority target, while Major League Soccer was also considered a realistic option. Instead of chasing the immense financial rewards available outside Europe, Salah opted to continue his playing career on the European continent.
While he will not be moving to Saudi Arabia, his financial package in Turkey remains substantial. Stock exchange filings by Trabzonspor confirmed he will earn £14.5m per season in addition to a 20% revenue share from merchandise bearing his name. Turkish media reports estimated his base salary at around £7.3m per year before bonuses.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Continuing to compete in UEFA club competitions clearly played a major role in his decision. Trabzonspor finished third in the Super Lig last season and will participate in the upcoming Europa League play-offs. For a player who helped Egypt reach the knockout stages of the World Cup and maintained stellar form during the 2024-25 campaign, playing European football offered significant appeal.
Although Turkey's traditional Istanbul giants such as Galatasaray, Fenerbahce, and Besiktas usually attract the biggest names, Besiktas failed to finalize a deal due to financial structures. This opened the door for Trabzonspor, a club that has won seven Turkish league titles and secured last season's Turkish Cup under manager Fatih Tekke.
Salah's arrival highlights a growing trend of established football stars moving to the Turkish Super Lig, joining players like Victor Osimhen and Leroy Sane. Uniquely, top Turkish clubs generate substantial revenues in Euros through UEFA competitions while managing domestic costs in local currency, providing financial flexibility despite high domestic inflation.
Upon his arrival, Salah was greeted by hundreds of passionate supporters before traveling to Trabzon. He briefly wore a symbolic number 61 shirt during his unveiling—a nod to the city's vehicle registration code—before taking over the number 10 shirt for the 2026-27 season, with teammate Ernest Muci graciously stepping aside.
Source: BBC Sport
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