Trabzonspor signs Mohamed Salah, ending Istanbul's hold on star players

During the World Cup, Trabzonspor president Ertugrul Dogan sent a quick text to manager Fatih Tekke while watching Egypt’s match: “Coach, do you want Mohamed Salah?” Tekke’s reply was instant enthusiasm, signalling the club’s intent to sign the former Liverpool striker. The move was made quietly, with Trabzonspor’s offer reportedly exceeding the financial packages that Istanbul’s Big Three—Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe and Beşiktaş—typically present to marquee players.

For weeks, the transfer speculation had leaned toward Beşiktaş, the only Istanbul club seen as a realistic suitor for Salah. Yet the Turkish football landscape has long been dominated by the Big Three, who command the bulk of the Süper Lig’s high‑profile signings and enjoy a cultural monopoly on star acquisitions. Trabzonspor’s bid, therefore, represented a rare challenge to that status quo, positioning the Black Sea club as a serious contender for a player who has been a global football icon for over a decade.

If the deal goes through, it would mark the first time a club outside Istanbul has secured a player of Salah’s calibre, underscoring a shift in the balance of power within Turkish football. The outcome will be closely watched by fans and rivals alike, as it could signal a broader redistribution of talent and resources across the league.