Trabzonspor are in advanced talks to sign Mohamed Salah on a free transfer after stepping up their pursuit of the former Liverpool forward.
The Turkish club are close to reaching a full agreement with Salah’s representatives, placing them ahead in the race to sign the Egypt international following the end of his Liverpool career. Salah is available as a free agent and has attracted interest from clubs in Europe, the Middle East, and Major League Soccer.
Regardless of Salah’s age, the move would represent one of the biggest signings in Trabzonspor’s history as the club seek to build on last season’s third-place finish in the Turkish Super Lig. Signing the Egyptian without paying a transfer fee would also be a significant coup as they prepare for a title challenge.
Trabzonspor’s push has also complicated Besiktas’ attempts to land the 34-year-old. Reports in Turkey had suggested Besiktas reached a verbal agreement over a one-year contract with the option of a further season, but negotiations are said to have stalled because of financial differences.
Salah on the opening day. Again. 👑 pic.twitter.com/cUmvGqMIz8
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 15, 2025
Trabzonspor president Ertugrul Dogan denied that an agreement had already been reached, although he stopped short of ruling out the club’s interest.
“There is a lot being said, but there is no agreement with Mohamed Salah,” Dogan said. “There are no arrangements for him to travel to Trabzonspor tomorrow. Had there been such a plan, we would have informed the media and the fans of it.
“Who among us would not want to sign a player of the calibre of Mohamed Salah? Of course we would wish for that, but the truth is that there is no agreement at this moment.”
Asked whether negotiations were taking place, Dogan said: “I do not want to speak about this matter.”
Some other reports in Turkey have it that Trabzonspor have offered Salah a two-year contract worth €17m a season. If completed on those terms, the deal would make him the highest-paid player in the history of the Turkish league.
Saudi Pro League clubs continue to hold interest in Salah and will likely contend for the forward before any deal is reached with a Turkish club.
The leading club for Salah’s signature in the Saudi Pro League is Al-Ittihad. They tried signing the player in 2023 but failed despite making a £150m bid.
Al-Ittihad are keen to recruit a marquee player after Karim Benzema departed for Al-Hilal in February. Al-Qadsiah are the only other club in Saudi Arabia considered capable of competing financially for Salah’s signature, while Al-Nassr, Al-Ahli and Al-Hilal are not expected to enter the race.
