Trabzonspor have signed former Liverpool striker Mohamed Salah, defying the long-standing dominance of Istanbul's Big Three clubs in the Süper Lig's marquee signings, according to the Guardian.
Key facts
- Trabzonspor signed former Liverpool striker Mohamed Salah.
- Club president Ertugrul Dogan first floated the idea in a text to manager Fatih Tekke during the World Cup.
- Besiktas had earlier looked the most likely destination for Salah.
- Istanbul's Big Three — Galatasaray, Fenerbahce and Besiktas — have traditionally held a monopoly on marquee signings.
Trabzonspor have pulled off a surprise in Turkish football by signing former Liverpool striker Mohamed Salah, a move that breaks with the long-established dominance of Istanbul’s biggest clubs, according to the Guardian.
The story began with a text message sent during the World Cup. Ertugrul Dogan, the president of Trabzonspor, was watching Egypt play when he picked up his phone and messaged his manager, Fatih Tekke. “Coach,” it read. “Do you want Mohamed Salah?”
According to the Guardian, Tekke’s response was immediate enthusiasm, though Trabzonspor’s initial push for Salah went largely unnoticed at the time.
For weeks, Besiktas had looked the most likely club to land the former Liverpool striker, the outlet reported.
In Turkish football, Istanbul’s Big Three — Galatasaray, Fenerbahce and Besiktas — have long held a financial and cultural monopoly on the Süper Lig’s marquee signings, making Trabzonspor’s success all the more striking.
The Guardian notes that never before has a big name rejected Istanbul for Trabzon, adding that Salah was offered more than just financial reward to make the move to the Black Sea club.
Why it matters
The signing challenges a long-standing power structure in Turkish football, where Istanbul's biggest clubs typically secure the highest-profile players. Trabzonspor landing a name of Salah's stature signals a potential shift in how and where the Süper Lig's marquee talent moves.
Frequently asked questions
Which club has signed Mohamed Salah?
According to the Guardian, Trabzonspor have signed the former Liverpool striker Mohamed Salah.
How did the transfer begin?
The Guardian reports it began with a text from Trabzonspor president Ertugrul Dogan to manager Fatih Tekke during the World Cup, asking if he wanted Salah, to which Tekke responded with immediate enthusiasm.
Which club was previously favoured to sign Salah?
For weeks, Besiktas had looked the most likely club to sign Salah, according to the Guardian.