Why Salah chose a Turkish club over Saudi Arabia and MLS

Saudi Pro League and MLS clubs had long been interested in Mohamed Salah, with Al-Ittihad making a late push and Sporting Kansas City also showing interest. However, the 34-year-old forward has decided to remain in Europe, signing a two-year deal with Turkish club Trabzonspor after his Liverpool contract ended.

Salah reportedly received lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia and the United States, but he will also earn significantly at Trabzonspor. He is expected to make around £14.5 million a year, along with 20% of the revenue from Salah-branded merchandise sold by the club. Trabzonspor finished third in the Turkish Super Lig last season and will play in the Europa League qualifiers. The club, which has won the Turkish league seven times, most recently in 2021-22, also lifted the Turkish Cup last season, making Salah’s arrival its biggest signing.

His move also highlights the growing appeal of Turkish football, which now features stars such as Victor Osimhen, Leroy Sané, İlkay Gündoğan, Nathan Aké and Leandro Trossard. Salah is expected to play on the right wing and cut inside onto his left foot, with his competitive debut potentially coming against Kasımpaşa on August 15. Salah’s arrival is expected to boost Trabzonspor both on and off the pitch. He will wear No. 10, his iconic number for Egypt, while he symbolically wore the No. 61 shirt during his unveiling, representing Trabzon’s city code.