Mohamed Salah’s next destination has finally been confirmed — and it has left football fans around the world surprised. The former Liverpool star has signed a two-year deal with Turkish Super Lig side Trabzonspor, rejecting lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia and interest from Major League Soccer.
At 34, Mohamed Salah leaves Anfield after nine highly successful years, during which he scored 257 goals in 442 appearances and became one of the club’s all-time greats. Many expected him to follow the path taken by other ageing superstars and move either to the Saudi Pro League or the United States. Instead, he has chosen a club based on the Black Sea coast that finished third in Turkey last season.
So why did Salah turn down bigger money and bigger global platforms for Trabzonspor?
Staying in Europe Was the Priority
The most consistent explanation from those close to the player is that Salah was determined to remain in Europe. After a long career at the highest level, he wanted to continue competing in UEFA competitions rather than step into a league without Champions League or Europa League football.
Trabzonspor will enter the Europa League play-offs later this month. Victory would take them into the league phase; defeat would still guarantee Conference League football. For Salah, that European stage remained more attractive than the higher salaries on offer elsewhere.
Saudi clubs had pursued him for years. Al-Ittihad previously bid £150 million for him while he was still at Liverpool, and further approaches were made this summer. Major League Soccer clubs, most notably Sporting Kansas City, were also interested and prepared to offer a substantial package. Yet Salah made it clear he preferred to stay on the continent.
A Strong Financial Offer Without Leaving Europe
Although money was not the only factor, Trabzonspor still put together a competitive package. According to the club’s official filing, Salah will earn around €17 million per season, including salary and signing payments, plus a 20% share of revenue from merchandise sold under his name. Performance bonuses are also included.
The deal is believed to be a Turkish Super Lig record. While it falls short of what he could have earned in Saudi Arabia, it allows him to remain in Europe while still receiving elite-level wages for a player of his age and status.
Why Trabzonspor Instead of the Big Three?
Many assumed that if Salah moved to Turkey, he would join one of Istanbul’s traditional powerhouses — Galatasaray, Fenerbahce or Besiktas. Galatasaray and Fenerbahce showed limited interest, while talks with Besiktas collapsed over the financial structure of the proposed deal.
That left the door open for Trabzonspor. The club has a proud history as seven-time Turkish champions and won the Super Lig as recently as 2021-22. Last season they finished third and have ambitions of challenging the Istanbul clubs again. For Salah, the project offered the chance to be the clear star of the team rather than one of several high-profile names.
A New Chapter After Liverpool
Salah’s final season at Liverpool was difficult. He fell out of favour under then-manager Arne Slot, was dropped for key matches, and eventually agreed to terminate his contract a year early. The mutual decision ended a nine-year spell that brought two Premier League titles, a Champions League, and multiple individual awards.
By choosing Trabzonspor, Salah avoids the intense scrutiny that would have followed a move to a Saudi club or an MLS franchise while still giving himself a competitive environment. He becomes the focal point of an ambitious side with passionate supporters and the opportunity to win domestic trophies and compete in Europe.
What It Means for Mohamed Salah Chose a Turkish Club
Mohamed Salah Chose a Turkish Club Prioritizing European Competition Over Pure Wealth.
For years, heavy financial backing from the Saudi Pro League (such as Al-Ittihad) and MLS clubs like Sporting Kansas City positioned them as the frontrunners for Salah’s signature. By opting for Trabzonspor, Salah compromised between making a massive salary and maintaining his competitive edge in Europe:
- UEFA Football: Trabzonspor finished third in the Süper Lig last season and is competing in the upcoming Europa League play-offs, offering Salah continued access to continental tournaments.
- Favorable Tax Laws: According to filings on the Turkish stock exchange reported by the BBC, Salah will still be very well compensated, earning £14.5 million per season along with a 20% cut of revenue from all Salah-branded club merchandise.
For Trabzonspor, signing one of the most recognisable players in world football is a major statement. It raises the club’s profile internationally and gives their supporters a genuine superstar to rally behind.
For Salah, the move represents a calculated decision at a pivotal stage of his career. He has prioritised remaining in European football, securing a strong financial package, and joining a club where he can still be the main attraction.
Few predicted that the Egyptian’s next chapter would begin in Trabzon. Yet the logic behind the decision is clearer once the full picture is considered: Salah wanted to keep competing in Europe, and Trabzonspor offered him the best opportunity to do so on his terms.
The Turkish Super Lig has landed one of its most high-profile signings, with Mohamed Salah opting for a path that values football over chasing the biggest paycheck.
