Mohamed Salah has completed a move to Turkish side Trabzonspor, signing a two-year contract after becoming a free agent following his departure from Liverpool this summer. The 34-year-old Egyptian forward was given a rousing reception by supporters who gathered at Ataturk Airport to welcome him ahead of the announcement.
Salah's exit from Anfield brought an end to a nine-year spell in which he established himself as one of the Premier League's most prolific attackers. Across 442 appearances for Liverpool, he scored 257 goals, helping the club to two Premier League titles and a Champions League triumph. His departure as a free agent had sparked speculation about his next destination, with several clubs reportedly interested in securing his services.
Among the suitors was Besiktas, one of Trabzonspor's fiercest domestic rivals, who had also made an offer to sign the forward. However, Salah ultimately opted for Trabzonspor, handing the club a notable coup as they look to bridge the gap to the Super Lig's top sides.
Trabzonspor last won the Turkish league title in 2022, their seventh overall, though the majority of their triumphs came during a dominant stretch between 1976 and 1984. The club finished third in the most recent Super Lig campaign, eight points adrift of champions Galatasaray, and now face a play-off tie to determine their European fate. A win would secure a place in the league phase of the Europa League, while a defeat would send them into the Conference League instead.
Salah's arrival represents a major financial commitment from Trabzonspor, who have been transparent about the terms of the deal. The club confirmed that Salah will earn €17 million annually, comprising a €10 million base salary and a €7 million signing-on fee. That package equates to roughly £280,000 per week when salary and signing bonus are combined, a figure reportedly higher than what Victor Osimhen currently earns at Galatasaray, previously considered the league's top earner.
While the overall figure represents a reduction compared to his previous Liverpool wages, additional incentives could help close that gap. Salah's contract includes performance-related bonuses throughout its duration, along with a 20 percent cut of revenue generated from sales of Mohamed Salah-branded merchandise at the club. Should those add-ons be maximized, his overall earnings in Turkey could rival or even exceed what he was making in the Premier League.
The move marks a significant shift for Salah, who spent nearly a decade as one of European football's standout performers before opting for a new challenge in the Super Lig. For Trabzonspor, landing a player of his profile and pedigree is seen as a statement of intent as they aim to challenge for domestic honors and make an impact on the continental stage.
Based on reporting from Standard Sport (standard-football).