«We’re waiting for the announcement», exclaims Taha, a Besiktas supporter seated on the stadium’s steps overlooking the Bosphorus. The 34-year-old Egyptian star, now without a club, appears poised to join the Turkish giants under a one-year deal worth €12 million plus bonuses, according to local reports.

The makings of a legendary transfer

Eren Tutel, Besiktas specialist and BirGün columnist, doesn’t mince words: «This would easily be the biggest transfer in club history — and possibly in all of Turkish football. No other signing combines this level of sporting excellence, global recognition, and commercial appeal.» Salah’s trophy-laden resume speaks volumes: three English Premier League titles (2015 with Chelsea, 2020 and 2025 with Liverpool) and a Champions League crown (2019).

Sahit, another fan gathered outside the stadium, ranks this potential move above even club legend Quaresma’s tenure (154 appearances from 2015-2019) and Victor Osimhen’s switch to Galatasaray in 2024. «Salah brings an unmatched pedigree, plus he’s Egypt’s most beloved figure — a genuine national ambassador», notes Caner Isbegendiren of Fanatik, while cautioning that the deal remains at the negotiation stage.

A club in crisis and the transformative power of Salah