Salah departs Liverpool for Trabzonspor in surprise Turkish move

The 34-year-old has penned a two-year deal with the Istanbul-based club, departing Liverpool where he netted 257 goals in 442 appearances and finished as the club's third-highest all-time goalscorer. Salah had won seven major trophies during his nine seasons on Merseyside.

His exit came after a difficult final campaign at Anfield, which included his omission from the squad and a public falling-out with then-head coach Arne Slot. According to Sky Sports, Salah will earn approximately £15m annually at Trabzonspor, with Turkey's favourable tax environment contributing to the appeal of the move.

The transfer represents a dramatic shift in expectations; Saudi Arabian clubs, particularly Al Ittihad, had previously pursued Salah aggressively—the Saudi side had tabled a £150m offer just three years prior. However, Trabzonspor's Europa League prospects and regular continental football appear to have swayed the decision.

Observers have debated the move's prestige, with some analysts questioning whether Salah might have commanded interest from elite European outlets such as AC Milan or Juventus, though wage demands reportedly posed obstacles to those potential destinations.

For Trabzonspor, landing a player of Salah's calibre and experience adds significant marketing pull to the Turkish Super Lig.