Mohamed Salah is on the verge of moving to Turkish outfit 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 prompted by a challenging season that saw him dropped from the starting XI and embroiled in a public dispute with then‑manager Arne Slot. During his spell on Merseyside, Salah cemented his status as one of Liverpool’s all‑time greats.
He helped the club lift seven major trophies, ranging from the Premier League title to the UEFA Champions League, and departed as the third‑highest scorer in Liverpool’s history, having found the net 257 times in 442 appearances. His prolific record and charismatic presence made him a fan favourite and a benchmark for future attackers. For several years, clubs from Saudi Arabia had shown keen interest in acquiring Salah’s services. The notion of a move to the Middle East gained traction after he delivered a candid interview following his omission from the squad for a match at Leeds United last season.
In that interview, Salah hinted that a transfer abroad might be on the horizon, fueling speculation that he would join a wealthy Saudi side. Less than three years earlier, Liverpool famously turned down a £150 million bid from Saudi club Al‑Ittihad for the Egyptian star. At that time, the Reds believed they could retain their talismanic forward for the foreseeable future. However, circumstances have now shifted dramatically, and the Turkish Super Lig appears to be Salah’s next destination.
Trabzonspor, who finished third in the Turkish league last season, are set to compete in the Europa League play‑off round. 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 is likely to revolve around a salary in the region of £17 million per year. This figure would represent a modest reduction compared to what Salah earned at Liverpool, and a significant drop from the lucrative offers reportedly on the table from Saudi clubs. Curtis also commented on the sporting implications of the move, noting that while the Turkish league boasts talented players, it does not match the consistent elite environment Salah experienced at Liverpool. "It’s very easy to play with top players.
So, is this a step down? Obviously, those players are very good players, but most Salah is used to working with the very best, and that impacts you as a player. So, again, it becomes a little bit of a shock," he said.
The transition to Trabzonspor will also present Salah with new challenges and opportunities. The Turkish Super Lig is known for its passionate fan bases, intense rivalries, and a style of play that blends technical skill with physicality. Adjusting to a different tactical setup and a new cultural environment will test Salah’s adaptability, but his experience at the highest levels of European football should serve him well.
From a broader perspective, Salah’s move underscores a growing trend of high‑profile European players seeking fresh chapters in leagues outside the traditional "big five" nations. Whether motivated by financial considerations, the desire for a new cultural experience, or the chance to play a pivotal role in a developing team, such transfers are reshaping the global football landscape.
Fans of both Liverpool and Trabzonspor are already reacting on social media. Liverpool supporters expressed a mixture of gratitude for the memories Salah provided and sadness at his departure, while Turkish fans celebrated the prospect of seeing a world‑class striker don the claret‑blue jersey.
The transfer also raises questions about Liverpool’s future attacking options, as the club will need to replace a player who contributed significantly to their recent successes. In summary, Mohamed Salah’s impending free‑transfer to Trabzonspor marks the end of an illustrious chapter at Liverpool and the beginning of a new adventure in Turkey. While the financial package may be modest compared to the offers from Saudi Arabia, the move offers Salah a chance to experience a different footballing culture, help a club aiming for European progression, and continue to showcase his talent on a new stage. The football world will be watching closely as the deal finalises and Salah prepares to trade the historic Anfield atmosphere for the passionate stadiums of the Turkish Super Lig.