Mohamed Salah's reported move to Turkish club Trabzonspor did not begin with lengthy formal negotiations. Instead, it started with a short text message sent by club president Ertuğrul Doğan to head coach Fatih Tekke during the World Cup after watching Egypt's matches.
The message was direct: “Coach, do you want Mohamed Salah?”
That brief question reportedly marked the beginning of Trabzonspor's ambition to sign the Egyptian star and eventually turned into a major transfer story that put the Turkish club back in the global spotlight.
Fatih Tekke's Reaction to the Mohamed Salah Idea
According to the details reported by The Guardian, Fatih Tekke reacted enthusiastically to the idea of signing Mohamed Salah, although Trabzonspor's initial attempt did not attract significant attention.
At a time when Beşiktaş appeared to be among the strongest candidates to sign the former Liverpool attacking leader, Salah's decision to choose Trabzonspor came as a major surprise.
The move was particularly unexpected given the traditional dominance of Istanbul's biggest clubs, including Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe and Beşiktaş, in major transfer deals in Turkish football.
Why Did Mohamed Salah Choose Trabzonspor?
Trabzonspor are one of Turkey's traditional “Big Four” clubs, although the city of Trabzon on the Black Sea does not have the same international profile as Istanbul.
The city, however, has one of the strongest and most passionate football fan bases in Turkey, with the club deeply connected to the identity of its supporters.
Trabzon has often been compared to Newcastle in England, as both are northern cities with industrial and maritime histories and strong emotional ties between their communities and football clubs.
Mohamed Salah Puts Trabzon on the Global Map
Salah's arrival helped bring worldwide attention to Trabzon, with the city becoming a major topic in international media.
The move also comes as Trabzon seeks to strengthen its position in maritime trade, tourism and logistics.
Salah received a remarkable welcome from supporters, with large crowds gathering at Trabzon Airport before tens of thousands reportedly attended his official presentation at Babara Park.
During his presentation, Salah told the fans: “I have never seen a reception like this in my life. I came here to win trophies, and I am here to bring titles to this club.”
Why Salah Chose to Stay in Europe
Salah's decision was not based solely on sporting considerations. The Egyptian star reportedly had the possibility of moving to the Saudi Pro League or Major League Soccer.
Instead, he chose to remain in Europe and take on a new challenge in a competitive league, with Trabzonspor potentially having the opportunity to participate in the UEFA Europa League if the club progresses through the qualifying rounds.
The move therefore represents a new challenge for Salah after years of playing for some of Europe's biggest clubs.
Trabzonspor Challenges Istanbul's Dominance
Salah's arrival represents another important chapter in Trabzonspor's history, with the club having previously challenged Istanbul's dominance of Turkish football during the 1970s.
Trabzonspor also won the Turkish league title in the 2021-22 season, demonstrating its ability to compete with the country's biggest clubs.
However, the Salah deal carries a different level of significance, as the club had reportedly never before convinced a star of his global stature to choose Trabzon over the major Istanbul clubs.
Trezeguet Played a Role in the Transfer
Trabzonspor's negotiations with Mohamed Salah reportedly took place away from the spotlight, with the club seeking help from Mahmoud Hassan Trezeguet.
The Egyptian winger, who previously played for Trabzonspor and is Salah's international teammate, reportedly helped convince the star to consider the move.
Cultural factors also played a role, particularly Salah's comfort with moving to a predominantly Muslim country and the environment he found suitable for himself and his family.
Mohamed Salah's Contract Details
Mohamed Salah reportedly signed a contract with Trabzonspor running until June 2028.
The deal includes a basic annual salary of €10 million, along with an annual signing bonus of €7 million, bringing his reported total annual package to €17 million.
The contract also includes additional performance-related incentives, while Salah is reportedly entitled to 20% of revenue generated from his personal merchandise sold through the club's official stores.
The Salah Deal Starts Generating Commercial Returns
The transfer began generating commercial benefits for Trabzonspor soon after the announcement, with season-ticket sales reportedly rising significantly following the arrival of the Egyptian star.
The club president expects major revenues from ticket sales, sponsorships and merchandise during Salah's time at the club.
Trabzonspor is also seeking to maintain the financial balance of the deal by benefiting from revenue generated through player sales in recent periods.
Trabzonspor's Ambitions With Mohamed Salah
Trabzonspor have been developing under Fatih Tekke, with the club improving its league position and finishing last season in third place while also winning the Turkish Cup.
The club hopes that Salah's arrival will represent another turning point, particularly as it competes with Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe and Beşiktaş.
For Trabzon and the surrounding region, however, Salah's arrival goes beyond football. The city has been placed under the international spotlight, with hopes that the Egyptian star's arrival will mark the beginning of a new era for what has been described as the “Black Sea Storm.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Mohamed Salah's Trabzonspor transfer begin?
The idea reportedly started with a short text message from Trabzonspor president Ertuğrul Doğan to head coach Fatih Tekke, asking whether he wanted Mohamed Salah.
Why did Mohamed Salah choose Trabzonspor?
According to the reported details, Salah preferred to remain in Europe and take on a new competitive challenge, while also feeling comfortable with Turkey's cultural and family environment.
Did Trezeguet help Mohamed Salah join Trabzonspor?
Yes. Trabzonspor reportedly sought the help of Mahmoud Hassan Trezeguet, Salah's Egypt teammate and former Trabzonspor player, during the process of convincing him to join the club.
How long is Mohamed Salah's contract with Trabzonspor?
Salah's reported contract with Trabzonspor runs until June 2028.
How much does Mohamed Salah earn at Trabzonspor?
The reported contract includes a €10 million basic annual salary and a €7 million annual signing bonus, bringing the reported package to €17 million per season.
What impact has Mohamed Salah had on Trabzonspor?
His arrival has significantly increased global attention on the club and city while also boosting expectations for higher commercial revenues from tickets, sponsorships and merchandise.
