How Mohamed Salah secured the contract

According to Sports.

Background

Mohamed Salah, one of the world's leading footballers, creates an important chapter in the history of Trabzonspor. His arrival will help boost the club's fan base and improve its competitive position in the Super League and Europa League.

Why this matters

Mohamed Salah joining Trabzonspor is a huge shock for the Super League clubs. The biggest Muslim football star in the world marks an important turning point in the club's history and will help the development of Turkish football. Salah's arrival brings new hope to the club's fans and the possibility of raising the competition level in the Super League.

Key Points

• How Mohamed Salah secured the deal.
• Salah's Trabzonspor deal has sent shockwaves through Turkish football.
• The inside story of how Trabzonspor pulled off Salah deal - Yahoo Sports.

The smile on Mohamed Salah's face as he signed a two-year contract in front of tens of thousands of fans at Trabzonspor's Babara Park stadium, and even bigger joy on club president Ertuğrul Doğan's face. The burst of activity shown by the fans over the past few days had convinced Dogan that the exchange was a 'coup'. Dogan spoke to BBC Sport Africa and BBC Turkey about how Salah, one of the world's biggest Muslim football stars, was welcomed amid a dramatic ceremony.

No Champions League; Having won the League Cup only once since the golden era of the 1970s–80s—how did they convince Salah? On the Black Sea coast, near the Georgian border, the city of Trabzon does not rank among Turkey's largest cities in terms of population. Dogan says it also visually conveys a 'city that breathes for one club'. “Why Trapzonespor now?” To Salah's question, the club's camp highlighted the city's affection and the genuine love of its idiosyncratic fans.

Born in 1977, Dokan—became Trabzonspor president in 2023 after succeeding in multiple fields—from real estate to the hazelnut (hazelnut) business, to bio-eerosol. Known as the 'Black Sea Storm' under his reign, the club finished 3rd, 7th and 3rd in the Super League. They won the Turkish Cup last season under coach Fatih Tekke; Now the push for a Europa League spot continues after a 0–1 home defeat in the first leg of the playoff against Berenchvaros.


Trabzonspor's plan is clear—to draw young talent from around the world, take them to the next level and advance them to the big European clubs; At the same time, maintaining a balance with seasoned stars. Symbolically, they sold 20-year-old Ivory Coast midfielder Crist Inao Ouali to Fiorentina and 22-year-old Brazilian forward Felipe Augusto to Zenit St Petersburg after a season at a profit. The new young players come from countries like Albania, Belgium, Cape Verde and Portugal. Meanwhile, Andre Onana is back on loan from Manchester United. But the name of the 'game-changer'—definitely Salah.

The financial structure is also worth noting. An annual salary of €17 million, a 20% share of the merchandise that carries his name—to which Dogan directly acknowledges. As season tickets went up, sales exploded within four to five days of the announcement, with around 70% of Salah's salary for the year being borne. 25,000 is the target; Let's cross 30,000 now. Turkey, Europe, the Arab world—even big companies are starting to reach out. Dogan explains that the global attention 'can't be measured in money alone'.

After nine brilliant seasons at Liverpool, with everyone expecting a move to the Saudi League or the American Major League, the result was Turkey. The decision came as a surprise to many, as Salah is fourth in the Premier League's all-time top scorers list. But Dogan says that once negotiations began, both sides moved fairly and quickly. Although there has been interest since the World Cup, other Turkish clubs have been talking and waiting. The deal was completed within five-six days of their departure. First meeting via Zoom; Salah was on holiday in Mykonos at the time. Then they decided to hold a clinical trial in Istanbul—a sign of the reception across Turkey beyond Trabzon. Even though it was the middle of the working day, thousands were greeted at the airport.

Salah made his debut as a second-half substitute in a 1–1 draw against Kasim Basa on the opening day of the new season. Fans are gearing up for his first 'home' league picture at the Trapzone on Sunday. “This city is all about football,” explains Dokan, describing the energy that permeates every corner of Trabzon. At this rate, that grin on the Trabzonspor leader's face was only going to last for days.

What happens next

Tropezspor are looking to make progress in the Europa League after confirming a new contract with Salah. After winning the Turkish Cup last season, they now need to win the match against Perençvaros. The transfer will further secure the club's future in the Super League and Europa League.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Mohamed Salah sign a contract with Trabzonspor?

Salah has signed a two-year deal with Trabzonspor.

What is the result of the match between Trabzonspor and Liverpool?

This article does not contain information about the outcome of the competition.

Where is the trapzonespore now?

Trapzonspor finished 3rd, 7th, 3rd in the Super League.

When is Trabzonspor's next match?

Trapzonspor's next match is a playoff against Berenchvaros.

What is Salah's reason for coming to Trabzonspor?

Salah attributes Trabzonspor's affection for the city and the love of the fans.

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