Mohamed Salah has completed a move to Turkish Süper Lig side Trabzonspor on a free transfer, securing a two‑year contract after parting ways with Liverpool at the close of the previous season. The Egyptian forward’s departure from Anfield was formalised when both parties mutually agreed to terminate his deal a year ahead of schedule, ending a nine‑year tenure that began in the summer of 2017. Salah’s exit came after a turbulent campaign in which he found himself on the bench more often than expected and publicly clashed with then‑Liverpool manager Arne Slot. The season proved challenging for the 34‑year‑old, whose performances had previously set him among the elite of the Premier League.
Despite the difficulties, his legacy at Liverpool remains substantial: he lifted seven major trophies, including a Premier League title and a Champions League crown, and departed as the club’s third‑highest scorer, having netted 257 goals in 442 appearances. The move to Trabzonspor marks a significant shift in Salah’s career trajectory. For several years, speculation linked him with a high‑profile transfer to the Middle East, especially after a sensational interview he gave following his omission from the squad for a match against Leeds United.
At that time, rumors suggested a lucrative deal with Saudi Arabian side Al‑Ittihad, who had previously tabled a £150 million offer that Liverpool turned down less than three years earlier. While the Saudi option remained a headline‑grabbing possibility, the Turkish club ultimately secured his signature. According to Sky Sports, the financial terms of the Trabzonspor contract appear attractive.
Reports indicate that Salah could earn roughly £15 million per year, a figure that is bolstered by Turkey’s favourable tax regime for professional athletes. In addition to the monetary benefits, the move offers Salah the chance to compete in a league known for its passionate fan bases and high‑intensity matches. Trabzonspor, a club with a rich history and a sizable following, is also expected to feature in European competition next season, most likely the UEFA Europa League, giving Salah a platform to showcase his talents on the continental stage. "The deal makes financial sense for him," a Sky Sports analyst noted.
"There are reports in Turkey that he will be paid around £15m a year. The tax environment in Turkey is very favourable to professional footballers as well and he's going to play in a league that has a lot of big games and passionate supporters. He's also got the prospect of playing European competition. There's a good chance Trabzonspor will be playing in the Europa League next season.
It ticks a lot of boxes for him. He had lots of other options as well." Former Liverpool defender and pundit Jamie Carragher expressed surprise at the destination, arguing that Salah’s quality could have seen him join a more prestigious European side. "I never believed he was going to go to Saudi, because number one, he's too good for that.
I think he can be playing in Serie A. Turkey for me feels a level too low," Carragher said. He added that clubs such as AC Milan or Juventus might have been more fitting destinations, offering higher‑profile stadiums and consistent exposure in elite competitions. Carragher suggested that wage expectations may have played a role in narrowing Salah’s options, noting that the Egyptian star’s demand for a substantial salary could have deterred some potential suitors.
Beyond the financial and competitive aspects, Salah’s move to Trabzonspor carries broader implications for his personal brand and the perception of Turkish football. The Süper Lig has, in recent years, attracted several high‑profile players seeking new challenges, and Salah’s arrival could boost the league’s international visibility. His presence is likely to draw increased media attention, higher attendance figures, and potentially more lucrative sponsorship deals for both the player and the club. Moreover, his experience and professionalism could serve as a mentorship resource for younger Turkish talents, fostering development within the domestic game.
Salah’s career has been defined by a relentless drive to succeed, a trait he shares with other football greats such as Cristiano Ronaldo. His commitment to maintaining high performance standards, even when faced with setbacks, underscores his reputation as a consummate professional. While some critics question whether the Turkish league matches his ambition, others argue that the combination of competitive football, European competition prospects, and financial security makes Trabzonspor a logical next step.
In summary, Mohamed Salah’s transfer to Trabzonspor represents a new chapter for a player who has already etched his name into Liverpool’s history books. The two‑year deal provides him with a stable platform to continue delivering goals, while also offering the club a marquee signing that could elevate its stature both domestically and abroad.
Whether he will replicate his prolific scoring record in Turkey remains to be seen, but his proven ability to adapt and thrive suggests that fans of Trabzonspor have much to look forward to in the coming seasons.