Mohamed Salah to Besiktas: a transfer that could reshape Turkish football
Rumors are swirling in Istanbul as Mohamed Salah, the Egyptian forward, appears on the brink of joining Besiktas. If finalized, his arrival would mark one of the most historic transfers in Turkish football history.
«We’re waiting for the announcement,» exclaims Taha, a Besiktas fan seated on the stadium steps in Istanbul this Saturday evening. His eyes fixed on his phone, he refreshes the news about Mohamed Salah (34), the Egyptian star now a free agent and reportedly close to finalizing a deal with the Turkish club. According to local reports, an agreement has been reached for a one-year contract with an option to renew, valued at €12 million plus performance bonuses.
A transfer that could redefine Besiktas—and Turkish football
Eren Tutel, a Besiktas specialist and journalist, doesn’t mince words: «This could easily be the biggest transfer in the club’s history—and perhaps the entire Turkish league.» He emphasizes that no other signing combines such sporting prowess, global recognition, and commercial appeal. Salah, a three-time Premier League winner (2015 with Chelsea, 2020 and 2025 with Liverpool) and Champions League champion (2019), would arrive in Turkey with a trophy-laden resume.
Sahit, another fan gathered outside the stadium, places Salah’s potential arrival above even club legends like Quaresma (154 matches between 2015–2019) and Osimhen’s stint at Galatasaray in 2024: «He has a far greater pedigree,» he notes. Salah is also Egypt’s most popular athlete, a national icon and de facto ambassador for his country.
Besiktas in crisis—and Salah could be the catalyst for change
The mood among fans is desperate. A viral video showed a supporter waking from surgery, immediately asking if Salah had signed. Since their 2021 title, Besiktas has fallen behind rivals Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe, and Trabzonspor, finishing fourth last season. The club’s emblem, an eagle, has seen its wings clipped.
To reverse the decline, Besiktas has already swooped for Leandro Trossard from Arsenal for €18 million. The Belgian winger, a recent English champion, was unveiled to 20,000 fans last Thursday, with chants of Salah’s name echoing through the stadium. Tutel believes Salah’s signature could attract more top talent: «Besiktas needs to build a balanced team around him—something they’ve lacked in recent years.»
Ali, a 32-year-old fan draped in the team’s black-and-white scarf, heads toward the club shop beneath the stadium. «I’m here for the new season’s jersey, but I’ll wait to buy Salah’s,» he says. If the deal goes through, the club’s merchandise and airport arrivals will be overwhelmed by demand.