Mohamed Salah has completed a move to Turkish Süper Lig side Trabzonspor on a free transfer, sealing a two‑year contract after parting ways with Liverpool at the close of last season. The Egyptian forward and Liverpool reached a mutual agreement to terminate his existing deal a year ahead of schedule, bringing an end to a nine‑year tenure at Anfield.
Salah’s departure cut short the terms he had originally agreed to in April 2025, a decision that followed a turbulent campaign in which he found himself dropped from the starting XI and reportedly clashed with then‑Liverpool head coach Arne Slot. During his time in Merseyside, Salah cemented his status as one of the club’s all‑time greats. He helped lift seven major trophies – including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, FA Cup and multiple Community Shields – and departed as Liverpool’s third‑highest scorer, having netted 257 goals in 442 appearances across all competitions.
His record of consistency, speed and clinical finishing made him a fan favourite and a cornerstone of Jurgen Klopp’s attacking philosophy. At 34, Salah has been linked with a move to the Middle East for several seasons. Earlier this year, after being omitted from Liverpool’s squad for a match at Leeds United, he gave a candid interview that hinted at a possible transfer to Saudi Arabia.
Less than three years earlier, Liverpool had turned down a £150 million bid from Saudi club Al‑Ittihad for the Egyptian star, underscoring the level of interest from the Gulf region. However, the final destination turned out to be Turkey, where Trabzonspor offered a package that appears to suit both his professional ambitions and financial expectations. According to reports circulating in Turkish media, Salah’s contract will see him earn roughly £15 million per year.
The Turkish tax regime is considered favourable for professional athletes, meaning a larger proportion of his salary will be retained after tax. Moreover, Trabzonspor competes in a league known for its passionate fan bases and intense rivalries, providing a vibrant atmosphere that could appeal to a player accustomed to high‑pressure environments. In addition to the financial incentives, the move offers Salah a realistic chance of playing in European competition. Trabzonspor is expected to feature in the UEFA Europa League next season, giving the forward a platform to showcase his talents on the continental stage once again.
This prospect, combined with the allure of a new cultural experience and the opportunity to help a historic Turkish club chase domestic silverware, appears to have ticked many of the boxes in Salah’s decision‑making process. Football pundits have expressed a range of opinions about the transfer. Sky Sports analyst Kaveh Solhekol highlighted the practicality of the deal, noting the attractive salary, tax advantages and the possibility of European football as key factors. He also pointed out that the Turkish league, while perhaps not as globally renowned as the Premier League, still offers a competitive environment with fervent supporters and high‑stakes matches.
Former Liverpool defender and commentator Jamie Carragher, however, voiced skepticism about the move’s sporting merit. Carragher argued that Salah’s quality warrants a place at a more prestigious European club, such as AC Milan or Juventus, where he could continue to compete at the highest level in Serie A or the Champions League. He suggested that Salah’s wage demands may have limited his options, but also acknowledged the player’s relentless drive and desire to maintain impressive statistical outputs, traits that have defined his career. Despite these differing viewpoints, the transfer reflects a broader trend of elite players exploring opportunities outside the traditional powerhouses of England, Spain, Germany and Italy.
The Turkish Süper Lig has been attracting higher‑profile signings in recent years, and clubs like Trabzonspor are investing in experienced internationals to elevate their standing both domestically and in Europe. For Salah, the move represents a new chapter after a decade of success at Liverpool. It offers a chance to experience a different footballing culture, reconnect with a passionate fan base, and continue adding to his personal accolades. Whether he will replicate his goal‑scoring exploits in Turkey remains to be seen, but his professionalism and work ethic suggest he will adapt quickly and aim to lead Trabzonspor to new heights.
Fans can follow the development of this story through Sky Sports’ various platforms, including their WhatsApp channel, mobile app, and the Transfer Centre live updates. The club’s official communications have emphasized that Salah’s arrival is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the squad and compete for both the Turkish league title and a deep run in European competition. In summary, Mohamed Salah’s free‑transfer to Trabzonspor marks the end of an illustrious Liverpool era and the beginning of an exciting venture in Turkish football. The deal balances financial reward, tax efficiency, and the promise of European action, while also sparking debate about whether the Egyptian star could have secured a move to a more traditionally elite European side.
As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on Trabzonspor to see how Salah integrates into the team, impacts the league, and pursues further success on the continental stage.