Why Mohamed Salah joined Trabzonspor in the Turkish Super Lig

The legendary Egyptian forward is one of the most high-profile signings in Turkish football history, and his decision came as a major surprise to many.

Mohamed Salah stunned the football world by choosing Trabzonspor as the next chapter of his career.

After nine seasons at Liverpool, the Egyptian forward decided to remain in Europe and take on the challenge of joining one of Turkey’s most important clubs.

While the decision raised some eyebrows, there are sporting, financial and personal reasons that help explain why his move could prove to be an excellent choice.

Don’t miss Mohamed Salah’s Trabzonspor adventure in the #SüperLig on #beINSPORTS #SüperLig #beINSPORTS

1. He found a club that genuinely wanted him

Since arriving in Turkey, Salah has made it clear that he is happy with his decision.

The forward completed his medical examinations and then toured the club’s facilities before being unveiled in front of a massive crowd. During his presentation, he made no secret of his excitement.

“I’m here to win. I want to win something with this club,” Salah said.

The reception highlighted the magnitude of the signing. Tens of thousands of fans gathered to welcome him, and Salah himself admitted that he had never experienced a reception quite like it.

2. He is strengthening one of Turkey’s biggest clubs

Trabzonspor is no ordinary club. It is widely regarded as the fourth giant of Turkish football, behind Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe and Beşiktaş, and has historically been the team most capable of challenging Istanbul’s dominance.

The club’s most recent league title came in the 2021-22 season, while it also recently won the Turkish Cup.

Salah’s arrival strengthens the Super Lig’s great challenger and gives Trabzonspor a star capable of elevating the project both sportingly and commercially.

Trabzonspor finished third last season and will compete in the Europa League qualifying rounds, meaning Salah will still have the opportunity to play high-level European football.

3. He chose competition over a move to another league

Salah had other options. His name was linked with the Saudi Pro League, MLS and Istanbul’s biggest clubs, while Beşiktaş even held direct negotiations with the Egyptian.

Ultimately, talks with the black-and-white club broke down over financial differences and image-rights issues.

Although not every club that made a formal offer was publicly identified, Salah’s decision meant turning down potential moves to Saudi Arabia and the United States in order to remain in European football.

The message was clear: he did not want to move to what is perceived as a “retirement league.”

The sporting appeal also played a role. Trabzonspor had to convince him with a competitive project, rather than simply relying on money.

4. He has secured a lucrative contract and extraordinary benefits

The deal also represents a major financial boost for both the player and the club.

Salah signed a two-year contract and, according to details that have emerged, will earn around €17 million ($19.7 million) net per season through salary and a signing bonus. He will also receive a percentage of sales from merchandise bearing his name.

The commercial impact was immediate. Trabzonspor sold more than 17,000 season tickets within the first 24 hours of Salah’s arrival, generating nearly $11 million, while the club projects revenues of close to $25 million during the Egyptian star’s time at the club.

5. He remains a legend and arrives after making history

Salah is not joining Trabzonspor as a player whose career is winding down. At 34 years old, he has just led Egypt through a historic World Cup campaign.

The Pharaohs reached the Round of 16 for the first time and secured their first-ever victory in a World Cup knockout-stage match, with Salah serving as captain.

He also leaves Liverpool as a club legend. The Egyptian made 442 appearances, scored 257 goals, won two Premier League titles and a Champions League, and finished as the third-highest scorer in the club’s history.

That is why joining Trabzonspor could be a smart move for Mohamed Salah: he remains in Europe, joins a club that made him a priority, receives extraordinary support from the fans and takes on a challenge in which he can still win trophies and create another chapter in his historic career.