Mohamed Salah is on the verge of moving to Turkish side Trabzonspor on a free transfer after both parties reached a mutual agreement 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 driven by a challenging season that saw him fall out of favour and clash publicly with then‑Liverpool manager Arne Slot. During his illustrious spell at Liverpool, Salah cemented his status as one of the club’s all‑time greats.
He helped the Reds lift seven major trophies, ranging from Premier League titles to European silverware, and departed as the third‑highest scorer in the club’s history, having netted 257 goals in 442 appearances across all competitions. His prolific record, combined with his work ethic and charisma, made him a fan favourite and a benchmark for future attackers. Salah’s name has long been linked with a move to the Middle East, particularly clubs in Saudi Arabia, and after being omitted from the squad for the Leeds United match last season he gave a candid interview that seemed to point toward a Saudi destination.
However, recent developments indicate that the Egyptian star will instead embark on a new chapter in the Turkish Süper Lig. Trabzonspor, who finished third in the Turkish league last season and earned a place in the Europa League play‑off round, have secured the services of the former Liverpool talisman.
The club sees Salah’s arrival as a major coup that could boost their domestic ambitions and provide a spark in European competition. While the financial terms have not been officially disclosed, former Premier League defender John Curtis, speaking on Sky Sports News’ Transfer Show, suggested that the deal likely includes a salary in the region of £17 million per year – a figure that is probably lower than what Salah earned at Liverpool and considerably less than the lucrative offers reported from Saudi clubs. Curtis noted, "The obvious factor is the money. I think it’s rumored to be around £17 million a year.
That translates to a little less than he was earning at Liverpool and significantly less than what he could have commanded in Saudi Arabia. It’s a step down financially, but there are other considerations." Beyond the financial aspect, the move raises questions about the competitive level and the environment in which Salah will now operate. Curtis added, "It’s very easy to play with top players. Is this a step down?
Obviously, the Turkish league has quality players, but Salah is accustomed to training and playing alongside the very best in the world. That environment shapes a player, so moving to a league with a different intensity could be a shock to his system." Despite these concerns, the transfer could prove mutually beneficial.
For Trabzonspor, acquiring a player of Salah’s calibre brings experience, leadership, and a global spotlight that can attract further talent and sponsorship. For Salah, the move offers a fresh challenge, the chance to be a central figure in a team aiming for European success, and an opportunity to extend his legacy beyond the Premier League. The termination of his Liverpool contract also marks the end of an era for the club.
Salah’s arrival at Liverpool in 2017 was initially met with skepticism, but he quickly silenced critics by delivering consistent goal‑scoring performances and helping the team break a 30‑year league title drought. Over the years, he formed a lethal partnership with the likes of Sadio Mané and Roberto Firmino, creating one of the most feared attacking trios in modern football. His departure leaves a void that Liverpool will need to fill, either through internal promotion or by seeking new signings.
Fans and pundits alike have speculated on the broader implications of Salah’s move. Some view it as a sign that the Turkish league is becoming more attractive to high‑profile players, potentially signalling a shift in the European football landscape.
Others argue that the financial allure of Saudi clubs remains dominant, and that Salah’s decision was influenced more by playing time and personal fulfillment than pure monetary gain. The transfer also underscores the evolving nature of player contracts and the increasing willingness of clubs to negotiate early terminations when relationships deteriorate. In Salah’s case, the breakdown with Arne Slot—who succeeded Jürgen Klopp and struggled to replicate the latter’s success—culminated in the forward being dropped from the starting XI and eventually sidelined.
Rather than endure a season on the bench, both Salah and Liverpool opted for an amicable separation, allowing the player to seek a new environment where he could contribute regularly. Looking ahead, Trabzonspor will integrate Salah into a squad that already boasts a mix of domestic talent and foreign imports. The club’s management has indicated that they plan to build the team around his experience, using his professionalism to mentor younger players and elevate the overall standard of play. With the Europa League play‑offs on the horizon, Salah’s expertise in high‑pressure matches could prove invaluable.
In summary, Mohamed Salah’s impending move to Trabzonspor marks a significant transition in his career. After a decade of success at Liverpool, where he amassed seven major trophies and became one of the club’s top scorers, he will now test himself in the Turkish Süper Lig.
While the financial package may be modest compared to potential Saudi offers, the opportunity to play a central role in a club with European ambitions and to experience a new football culture could be the right next step for the Egyptian star. The football world will be watching closely to see how Salah adapts to his new surroundings and whether he can replicate his Liverpool magic in Turkey.