Why Mohamed Salah Chose Trabzonspor: The Surprising Transfer That Shocked World Football

Trabzonspor: In one of the most unexpected moves of the 2026 summer transfer window, Egyptian superstar Mohamed Salah has completed a two-year move to Turkish side Trabzonspor, ending a legendary era at Liverpool and beginning a new chapter in the Turkish Super Lig.

The transfer has stunned football fans worldwide. For years, Salah had been strongly linked with a lucrative move to the Saudi Pro League, while clubs in Major League Soccer were also reportedly interested. Instead, the 34-year-old opted to remain in Europe, choosing a club outside the continent’s traditional elite.

So why did one of Africa’s greatest footballers make this surprising decision?

A Desire to Remain in European Football

Despite the enormous financial offers reportedly available elsewhere, Salah’s priority was to continue competing at the highest level of European football.

Trabzonspor finished third in the Turkish Super Lig last season and will compete in the UEFA Europa League play-offs. Qualification would guarantee Salah another opportunity to play on the European stage—something that appears to have played a major role in his decision.

For a player who continues to perform at an elite level and recently helped Egypt reach the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, remaining in European competition was clearly more attractive than an immediate move outside Europe.

Financially Rewarding Without Leaving Europe

Although Salah rejected even bigger offers from Saudi Arabia, his move to Trabzonspor is still financially rewarding.

According to details released by the Turkish club, Salah will earn approximately £14.5 million per season while also receiving 20% of revenue generated from Salah-branded merchandise.

The deal ensures Salah remains among the highest-paid footballers in Europe while continuing to compete in UEFA competitions.

Why Trabzonspor?

At first glance, Trabzonspor might seem an unusual destination.

Turkey’s biggest names traditionally play for Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe or Beşiktaş, and many expected Salah to join one of Istanbul’s giants if he chose the Turkish league.

However, Trabzonspor presented a unique project.

The club are seven-time Turkish champions, won the Super Lig title in 2021-22 and recently lifted the Turkish Cup. They have also qualified for European competition once again, making them an ambitious club seeking to challenge Turkey’s traditional powers.

Reports indicate that Beşiktaş also attempted to sign Salah before negotiations collapsed over financial terms, allowing Trabzonspor to secure one of the biggest transfers in Turkish football history.

A Hero’s Welcome

Salah’s arrival sparked incredible scenes in Turkey.

Hundreds of supporters gathered to welcome the Egyptian icon before he travelled to Trabzon, underlining the excitement surrounding the club’s biggest-ever signing.

Although he briefly wore the symbolic No. 61 shirt during his unveiling—a tribute to the city of Trabzon—Salah will officially wear the iconic No. 10 jersey after teammate Ernest Muci voluntarily gave up the shirt as a sign of respect.

Turkey’s Growing Attraction

Salah’s move reflects the increasing appeal of the Turkish Super Lig.

Over recent seasons, several internationally recognised players have chosen Turkey, including Victor Osimhen, Leroy Sané, İlkay Gündoğan, Nathan Aké, Leandro Trossard, André Onana, Ruslan Malinovskyi, and Stefan Savić.

The league has become increasingly competitive financially, with clubs benefiting from UEFA revenues while operating many domestic costs in Turkish lira. This has enabled teams to attract elite talent with competitive salary packages.

Former Scotland midfielder Ryan Jack believes Salah’s arrival could encourage even more world-class players to consider the Turkish league.

Can Salah Still Perform?

Although Salah is now 34, there is little evidence to suggest his best days are completely behind him.

He enjoyed another impressive World Cup with Egypt, contributing goals and assists as the Pharaohs reached the knockout rounds.

While his final season at Liverpool was more challenging scoring 12 goals in all competitions after falling out of favour under manager Arne Slot he had produced one of the finest campaigns of his career just a year earlier, recording 34 goals and 23 assists as Liverpool won the Premier League title.

Trabzonspor are expected to build their attack around him immediately.

Manager Fatih Tekke is likely to deploy Salah in his preferred position on the right wing, allowing him to cut inside onto his stronger left foot the role that transformed him into one of football’s most prolific forwards.

More Than Football

Beyond his impact on the pitch, Salah’s signing represents a massive commercial victory for Trabzonspor.

His arrival is expected to boost global attention, shirt sales, sponsorship opportunities and television audiences for the Turkish league. Former players believe millions of Liverpool supporters and football fans worldwide will now follow Trabzonspor’s matches simply because of Salah’s presence.

A New Chapter

Mohamed Salah’s move to Trabzonspor may not have been the transfer many predicted, but it perfectly balances ambition, financial reward and continued European competition.

Instead of taking the most lucrative offer available, the Egyptian legend has chosen to remain in Europe, compete for trophies and become the undisputed face of one of Turkey’s most historic clubs.

For Trabzonspor, it is a statement of intent.

For Salah, it is an opportunity to write another remarkable chapter in an already legendary career.

Source: BBC

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