Mohamed Salah is on the verge of moving to Turkish outfit Trabzonspor on a free transfer after both parties agreed to end his Liverpool contract a year ahead of schedule. The 34‑year‑old forward concluded a nine‑year tenure at Anfield by terminating the deal he had originally extended in April 2025, a decision prompted by a turbulent season that saw him fall out of favour and clash publicly with then‑manager Arne Slot. During his spell on Merseyside, Salah cemented his status as one of Liverpool's most celebrated players. He helped the Reds lift seven major trophies, ranging from Premier League titles to European silverware, and departed the club as its third‑all‑time leading scorer, having found the net 257 times in 442 appearances.
His contributions on the pitch were matched by his off‑field influence, making him a global ambassador for the club and a fan favourite worldwide. For several years, clubs from Saudi Arabia had expressed keen interest in securing Salah's services, and the Egyptian international appeared likely to head to the Middle East after a candid interview he gave following his omission from the squad for the Leeds match last season. In that interview, Salah hinted at a possible move abroad, fueling speculation that a lucrative Saudi deal might be on the horizon. Nevertheless, the transfer landscape shifted dramatically when Liverpool turned down a £150 million offer from Al‑Ittihad, a Saudi side, less than three years ago.
While that bid was rejected at the time, the financial allure of the Gulf remained a constant backdrop to any discussion about Salah's future. In the end, however, the Egyptian star opted for a different path, choosing to continue his career in the Turkish Süper Lig with Trabzonspor.
Trabzonspor, who finished third in the Turkish league last season, have secured a place in the Europa League playoff round, offering Salah a platform to compete in European competition once again. The move represents a significant change of scenery for the player, who has spent the bulk of his professional life in the English Premier League. It also signals a new chapter for a club that has been steadily building its squad with experienced internationals.
Financial details of the deal have not been officially disclosed, but former Premier League defender John Curtis, speaking on Sky Sports' Transfer Show, offered some insight. He suggested that the contract might be worth around €17 million per year, a figure that is likely lower than Salah's earnings at Liverpool and considerably less than what he could have commanded in Saudi Arabia. Curtis noted, "The obvious factor is the money. It's rumored to be about 17 million a year, which translates to a bit less than what he was earning at Liverpool and far less than a potential Saudi contract." Curtis also reflected on the sporting implications of the move, questioning whether the step down in league stature could affect Salah's performance.
He remarked, "It's very easy to play with top players. So, is this a step down?
Obviously, those players are very good, but Salah is accustomed to working with the very best, and that influences his development. It could be a shock to his routine." Beyond the financial and competitive aspects, the transfer also raises questions about Salah's legacy and personal motivations. After a season marked by reduced playing time and a public dispute with the coaching staff, the Egyptian forward may view the Trabzonspor opportunity as a chance to reset his career, regain confidence, and enjoy a fresh environment where he can once again be a focal point of the attack. The move also aligns with Trabzonspor's ambition to raise its profile on the European stage.
By acquiring a player of Salah's caliber, the club not only boosts its on‑field prospects but also enhances its commercial appeal, potentially attracting new sponsors and expanding its fan base both domestically and internationally. Fans of both clubs have taken to social media to express a mixture of surprise, disappointment, and optimism.
Liverpool supporters lament the loss of a player who has become synonymous with the club's recent successes, while Trabzonspor followers celebrate the arrival of a world‑renowned talent who could elevate the team's performance in the upcoming Europa League campaign. In summary, Mohamed Salah's impending transfer to Trabzonspor marks the end of an illustrious chapter at Liverpool and the beginning of a new adventure in Turkey. The deal, reportedly worth around €17 million annually, reflects a modest financial package compared to potential offers from the Middle East, but it offers Salah the chance to play a leading role in a competitive league and to participate in European competition. As the story unfolds, all eyes will be on how the Egyptian star adapts to his new surroundings and whether he can replicate the magic that made him a legend at Anfield.