On the night before Trabzonspor marked its 59th anniversary, a massive truck rolled through the streets, its three towering LED screens flashing the images that fans of the club were eager to celebrate. One screen looped a fanciful video imagining a grand unveiling of Mohamed Salah, while the other two replayed a montage of the Egyptian striker's most memorable goals and iconic moments.
Supporters gathered around the vehicle, almost as if praying for a divine confirmation of what they already believed: that the record‑breaking forward belonged to them, despite the public denials from club president Ertuğrul Doğan. Over the weekend, Doğan repeatedly used variations of "no" or "nothing" to stress that no agreement had been reached with Egypt’s captain, yet his statements seemed to fall on deaf ears.
Across the city, fans unfurled banners bearing Salah’s likeness, their enthusiasm undiminished. Their reaction, coupled with Doğan’s measured professionalism, hints at how Trabzonspor managed to secure what turned out to be the most sensational transfer in Turkish football history on a Tuesday.
Unlike their Istanbul rivals Beşiktaş, who also entered negotiations with the Liverpool star, Trabzonspor kept the process low‑key and respectful. Doğan hinted on Saturday that handling a high‑profile case required a certain delicacy, and the club obliged.
Beşiktaş, on the other hand, repeatedly fed the media with hints of interest, apparently trying to pressure Salah by proclaiming a deal as already sealed, even though consensus was still far from being reached. When the news broke, Salah’s business partner Ramy Abbas took to X (formerly Twitter) to counter the rumors, effectively ending Beşiktaş’s campaign. Their sporting director, Önder Özent, responded with vague demands, suggesting that the club was not prepared to meet the financial package required for a player of Salah’s stature. The Turkish giants were not the first to chase the commercial and cultural powerhouse that Salah has become over the past decade, but they appeared unwilling to meet the price tag that matches his market value.
For Trabzonspor, the signing represented a game‑changing move aimed at propelling the club toward the league title and establishing a foothold in European competition. The reaction to Salah’s choice was a mixture of disbelief and disappointment for some, who interpreted the decision as a sign that the star was past his prime, while others felt the move was underwhelming compared to expectations.
These opinions, however, often reflected what fans and pundits wanted Salah to do rather than his own aspirations at this stage of his career. After a long stint at Liverpool, where he had initially planned to retire, family considerations and a sense of being forced out by the club’s hierarchy forced him to rethink his future. Salah’s ideal destination was a European side that genuinely wanted him to lead the charge, a club with a fervent fan base that could energize him, and a city where his family could feel comfortable and unrestricted.
Having lived in Switzerland, Italy and England, Salah was eager for a fresh experience. Returning to the Premier League was off the table, and after proving his worth at Fiorentina and Roma, Serie A no longer held the allure it once did for him. Financially, the Saudi Pro League and several MLS franchises offered more lucrative packages, but those offers did not align with the personal criteria he set for his next chapter.
Trabzonspor, despite not presenting the richest contract, ticked the boxes that mattered most: a clear sporting project, a passionate supporters’ culture, and a respectful negotiation process that made Salah feel valued. After more than two decades of sacrifices—starting his professional journey at twelve and constantly weighing his decisions against their broader impact—Salah finally felt he could prioritize his own happiness.
To understand the magnitude of this decision, it helps to revisit the early days of his European adventure, which began in the aftermath of the tragic Port Said Stadium disaster that claimed 74 lives and halted football in Egypt. In February 2012, Georg Heitz, then sporting director of FC Basel, received an email titled "please look at this player" with a short video attached. The clip showed a lean, explosive winger set to the beat of Fort Minor’s "Remember the Name." Heitz immediately recognized that Salah did not need any cinematic embellishment; his talent was evident on its own.
Heitz alerted Basel’s chief scout Ruedi Zbinden, who had already flagged the Egyptian as a prospect in their recruitment system. Even Roberto Crausaz, Basel’s South America scout, contributed a report after spotting Salah at the U‑20 World Cup in Colombia—an event outside his usual jurisdiction. Crausaz recalled being struck by Salah’s speed, unpredictability, and fearlessness, noting that the player possessed an innate ability that could not be taught.
Basel eventually made an offer, but Egyptian club Al Mokawloon proved a tough negotiating partner. Initial talks suggested a €1.2 million fee, yet the Egyptian side deliberately stretched the process, hoping to inflate the price.
In a televised interview, Salah publicly countered Al Mokawloon’s demand for €3 million, arguing that such a sum would jeopardize his dream of playing abroad. The standoff was dramatic: an Egyptian club, accustomed to wielding significant power, was being challenged publicly by one of its own star players. Ultimately, Al Mokawloon settled for €1.8 million with a 25 percent sell‑on clause, allowing the 19‑year‑old Salah to sign a four‑year contract with Basel on 10 April 2012.
He chose the number 22 shirt as a tribute to Mohamed Aboutrika, the Egyptian legend who retired after the Port Said tragedy, symbolising the responsibility and hope placed on Salah’s shoulders. Six years later, Salah reflected on his Basel experience in a Premier League Origins feature, emphasizing his desire to change the narrative for Egyptian players and inspire the next generation. "We are a big country with many children," he said, "and everyone can achieve something. I want them to dream." That dream has now come full circle.
After years of climbing the European ladder, Salah has finally reached a point where he can make a decision that serves his personal and professional aspirations. His move to Trabzonspor is not merely a transfer; it is the culmination of a journey that began amid tragedy, endured countless negotiations, and ultimately arrived at a club that respects his legacy and offers the environment he seeks. Only Mo Salah: An Intimate Portrait of the Egyptian King, published on August 13, captures this odyssey in detail, providing fans with a deeper understanding of the man behind the headlines and the choices that have defined his remarkable career.