Trabzonspor launch official move for Mohamed Salah

Turkish Super Lig side Trabzonspor have officially opened negotiations to sign Egyptian star Mohamed Salah, the club announced on Tuesday night (August 4).

Trabzonspor said in a statement that formal discussions had begun with the free-agent forward, with the disclosure also filed on Türkiye's Public Disclosure Platform (KAP) and the Istanbul Stock Exchange.

The Black Sea club confirmed that Salah is expected to arrive in Istanbul on Wednesday before travelling to Trabzon to continue negotiations.

According to multiple media reports, the 34-year-old has agreed in principle to a two-year contract worth around €17 million per season (approximately $19.6 million). Trabzonspor secured a place in next season's UEFA Europa League after finishing third in the Turkish Super Lig.

However, uncertainty remains over whether the deal has been fully finalised. Club president Ertuğrul Doğan told Turkish media on Sunday that no agreement had yet been reached to sign Salah under the Bosman ruling. He added that while every club would welcome a player of Salah's calibre, there was no completed deal and any official development would be announced by the club.

Earlier reports had linked Salah with Beşiktaş J.K., with claims of a verbal agreement. However, French outlet Foot Mercato reported that Beşiktaş had put its offer on hold after Trabzonspor made significant progress in negotiations.

Salah became a free agent after the expiry of his Liverpool contract at the end of the 2025-26 season. During nine seasons at Anfield, he scored 257 goals in 442 appearances, helping the club win the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, FA Cup, two League Cups, FIFA Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup.

The Egyptian forward had also attracted interest from clubs in Major League Soccer (MLS) and the Saudi Pro League. The former Chelsea F.C., AS Roma and ACF Fiorentina star represented Egypt at this year's FIFA World Cup, leading his side to the Round of 16 before they were eliminated by Argentina.

Salah announced his Liverpool departure in March. Although he had signed a two-year contract extension with the club in April 2025, he left following the conclusion of the 2025-26 campaign after falling out of favour during the latter part of the season.