On the night before Trabzonspor marked its 59th anniversary, a massive truck rolled through the streets, its three giant LED screens broadcasting the hopes of the club’s faithful. One screen showed a fanciful video of Mohamed Salah being unveiled as a new signing, while the other two looped highlights of the Egyptian star’s most memorable goals and moments.
Fans gathered around the vehicle, almost as if praying for a divine confirmation that the record‑breaking forward was already theirs, despite the public denials from club president Ertuğrul Doğan. Doğan had repeatedly used variations of "no" or "nothing" throughout the weekend to stress that no agreement had been reached with Egypt’s captain, but the message was lost on the supporters who kept waving banners emblazoned with Salah’s face. Their unwavering belief, combined with Doğan’s professional handling of the situation, set the stage for what would become the most sensational transfer in Turkish football history on Tuesday.
Unlike their Istanbul rivals Beşiktaş, who also entered talks with the Liverpool striker, Trabzonspor chose to conduct negotiations quietly and respectfully. Doğan hinted on Saturday that a deal of this magnitude required a delicate approach, whereas Beşiktaş openly fed the media with rumors, apparently trying to pressure Salah into accepting a proposal by announcing a "done deal" that, in reality, was far from settled. When the news finally broke, Salah’s business partner Ramy Abbas took to X (formerly Twitter) to refute the Beşiktaş narrative, effectively ending their pursuit.
Their sporting director, Önder Özent, responded with vague demands, suggesting the club was unwilling to meet the financial package required for a player of Salah’s stature. While many clubs would love to add the commercial and cultural powerhouse who has been one of the world’s elite players for a decade, few are prepared to pay the price his brand commands.
Trabzonspor, on the other hand, secured a signing that they believe will propel them to the league title and eventually onto the European stage. The reaction to Salah’s choice has been mixed: some fans view the move as a sign that the striker is past his prime, while others see it as an under‑whelming decision.
These opinions often reflect what people wish Salah would do, rather than his own aspirations at this point in his career. Salah had originally imagined ending his playing days at Liverpool, a club he considers his home and a sanctuary for his family. When that plan fell apart due to what he described as a forced exit by the club’s hierarchy, he set out clear criteria for his next destination: remain in Europe, join an ambitious team that would give him a leading role, enjoy a passionate fan base, and live in a city where his family would feel comfortable.
Having already experienced life in Switzerland, Italy, and England, he wanted something different. Returning to the Premier League was off the table, and after proving himself in Serie A with Fiorentina and Roma, the Italian league no longer appealed to him the way it once did for many observers.
Financially, the offer from Trabzonspor was not the most lucrative. The Saudi Pro League and several MLS clubs presented higher salaries and greater brand‑building opportunities. Yet Trabzonspor ticked the boxes that mattered most to Salah, and the way they handled negotiations gave him confidence that the Black Sea‑side club could meet his personal and professional needs.
After more than two decades of sacrifice—starting his football journey at age twelve and constantly weighing the broader impact of his choices—Salah finally felt he could prioritize his own happiness. To understand his path, it helps to recall the tragedy that sparked his European adventure: the Port Said Stadium disaster in 2012, which claimed 74 lives and halted football in Egypt. In the aftermath, a young scout from FC Basel, Georg Heitz, received an email titled "please look at this player" with a short video of a lean, explosive winger.
Heitz instantly recognized that Salah needed no embellishment; his talent was raw and undeniable. Basel’s scouting network, including chief scout Ruedi Zbinden and South America specialist Roberto Crausaz, quickly flagged Salah as a prospect worth pursuing, even though he was outside their usual territory. Crausaz, who had been at the U‑20 World Cup in Colombia, remembered being struck by Salah’s speed, unpredictability, and fearless dribbling—qualities that cannot be taught.
He described Salah as a player who makes something happen whenever the ball reaches him, a trait that set him apart from technically polished academy products. Negotiations with Salah’s Egyptian club Al Mokawloon proved tricky.
Basel initially offered €1.2 million, only to discover that the Egyptian side intended to stretch the process and inflate the price. After a televised discussion in which Salah publicly countered the club’s demand of €3 million, Al Mokawloon eventually settled for €1.8 million with a 25 percent sell‑on clause. On 10 April 2012, a 19‑year‑old Salah signed a four‑year contract with Basel, choosing the number 22 shirt in tribute to his idol, Mohamed Aboutrika, who had retired after the Port Said tragedy.
That moment symbolised more than a personal homage; it represented a passing of responsibility for the future of Egyptian football. Six years later, during a Premier League Origins feature, Salah reflected on his Basel experience, noting that breaking through as an Egyptian player in Europe was a daunting task, but one he wanted to change for the sake of his country’s youth.
Fast forward to 2024, and Salah’s decision to join Trabzonspor reflects a mature, self‑determined choice. He sought a club that respects his legacy, offers a competitive environment, and allows his family to thrive.
The transfer, announced quietly yet confidently, underscores how a thoughtful approach—contrasting sharply with Beşiktaş’s media‑driven tactics—can secure a landmark deal. As Trabzonspor fans celebrate their new star, Salah embarks on a fresh chapter, aiming to help the Black Sea club challenge for domestic glory and make a mark on the continental stage.