Mohamed Salah is on the verge of embarking on a new chapter in his career by moving to Turkish side Trabzonspor on a free transfer, following a mutual agreement to end his contract with Liverpool a year ahead of schedule. The 34‑year‑old forward, who has been a cornerstone of Liverpool’s attack for nearly a decade, chose to cut short the terms he originally signed in April 2025 after a turbulent season that saw him fall out of favour with the then‑head coach Arne Slot and ultimately be dropped from the starting lineup. Salah’s nine‑year tenure at Anfield was marked by an impressive haul of silverware and personal milestones.
He helped the Reds lift seven major trophies, including the Premier League, the UEFA Champions League, and multiple domestic cups, cementing his status as one of the club’s modern legends. By the time he departs, he will rank as Liverpool’s third‑highest scorer in the club’s history, having found the net 257 times in 442 appearances across all competitions. His goal‑scoring record, combined with his work rate and leadership on the pitch, has left an indelible imprint on the team and its supporters.
Throughout his time in England, Salah has also been the subject of intense interest from clubs outside the Premier League, particularly from wealthy teams in Saudi Arabia. Earlier this year, after being omitted from the squad for a match at Leeds United, he gave a candid interview that hinted at a possible move to the Middle East. At that point, many observers believed a high‑profile transfer to a Saudi club was the most likely outcome, especially after Liverpool famously turned down a £150 million bid from Al Ittihad less than three years ago.
However, the latest developments point to a different direction. Trabzonspor, a club that finished third in the Turkish Super Lig last season and secured a spot in the Europa League playoffs, have secured Salah’s services.
The move represents a significant shift for both the player and the Turkish side. While the Turkish league does not command the same global spotlight as the Premier League, it offers a competitive environment and a passionate fan base that could provide Salah with a fresh challenge and a chance to re‑ignite his form. Financial details of the deal have not been fully disclosed, but former Premier League defender John Curtis, speaking on Sky Sports News' Transfer Show, offered some insight.
He suggested that the contract may 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 that the reduced salary reflects both the relative market size of the Turkish league and the player’s willingness to prioritize playing time and a new experience over pure financial gain.
"The obvious one is the money," Curtis said. "I'm sure it’s rumored to be 17 million a year or something like that. So you know that translates to a little bit less maybe than he was earning at Liverpool, and probably significantly less than he could have got at or in Saudi Arabia." Beyond the monetary aspect, Curtis highlighted the sporting implications of the move.
He pointed out that while Trabzonspor boasts talented players, the overall level of competition in Turkey differs from the elite standards Salah has become accustomed to 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 explained. For Salah, the decision may be driven by a desire to regain confidence and enjoy regular first‑team football.
After a season that saw him sidelined and at odds with the coaching staff, a fresh start in a new league could provide the mental reset he needs. Trabzonspor’s recent success, including a strong league finish and a Europa League playoff berth, suggests the club is ambitious and eager to compete on the European stage, offering Salah the platform to showcase his talents once again. The move also carries broader implications for Liverpool.
The club will need to replace a player who contributed significantly to their attacking output and global brand. While Liverpool has a deep pool of talent and a reputation for developing world‑class forwards, finding a direct replacement for Salah’s unique blend of speed, finishing, and charisma will be a challenge for manager Jürgen Klopp and his recruitment team. Fans of both clubs have already begun reacting on social media.
Liverpool supporters expressed a mixture of sadness and gratitude, recalling iconic moments such as Salah’s dramatic last‑minute winner against Tottenham in the 2022 FA Cup final and his pivotal role in the 2019 Champions League triumph. Meanwhile, Trabzonspor fans celebrated the arrival of a player of Salah’s stature, hoping his experience and leadership will elevate the squad’s performance domestically and in European competition. In summary, Mohamed Salah’s impending transfer to Trabzonspor marks the end of an era at Liverpool and the beginning of an intriguing new adventure in Turkish football. While the financial terms may be modest compared to potential offers from Saudi clubs, the move offers Salah the chance to play regularly, rediscover his form, and contribute to a club with European ambitions.
As the transfer window progresses, all eyes will remain on how this high‑profile switch unfolds and what impact it will have on both Salah’s legacy and Trabzonspor’s future aspirations.