Mohamed Salah set for Besiktas move: a potential landmark transfer for turkish football
The Egyptian star Mohamed Salah is on the verge of joining Besiktas, a deal that would send shockwaves through Turkish football. Fans are already celebrating the potential arrival of the 34-year-old, who is reportedly finalizing terms for a one-year contract with performance-based bonuses worth €12 million.
« We’re waiting for the announcement », exclaims Taha, a Besiktas fan seated on the stadium steps in Istanbul. His eyes are glued to his phone, tracking every update on Mohamed Salah, the free agent who could soon don the club’s black and white colors. Local reports suggest an agreement has been reached for a one-year deal with an option for renewal, valued at €12 million plus bonuses.
A deal that could rewrite Turkish football history
Eren Tutel, a Besiktas specialist and journalist, calls this potential transfer « the biggest in the club’s history—and perhaps the entire Turkish league ». Salah’s credentials speak for themselves: three-time Premier League winner (2015 with Chelsea, 2020 and 2025 with Liverpool) and a Champions League triumph in 2019. His arrival would bring unmatched prestige to Besiktas, a club currently mired in mediocrity.
Sahit, another fan gathered outside the stadium, ranks Salah’s potential signing above even club legend Quaresma (154 matches between 2015-2019) and Victor Osimhen’s move to Galatasaray in 2024. « Salah’s trophy cabinet speaks volumes », Sahit argues, adding that the Egyptian is also his country’s most beloved sports figure, « a true ambassador for Egypt ». Caner Isbegendiren of Fanatik notes, however, that negotiations are still ongoing.
Besiktas in crisis: can Salah turn the tide?
Besiktas has struggled since their last title in 2021, falling behind rivals Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe, and Trabzonspor. The club finished fourth last season, and morale among fans is at an all-time low. The potential signing of Salah could reignite passion, but the team must also address its structural weaknesses. « Besiktas needs to build a balanced squad around him », Tutel emphasizes. The club has already made a statement by securing Belgian winger Leandro Trossard from Arsenal for €18 million, a move that saw 20,000 fans chant Salah’s name during his presentation.
Ali, 32, clad in the club’s colors, heads to the stadium shop. « I came to check out the new season jerseys, but I’ll wait for the Salah one », he says. If the deal is confirmed, the club’s merchandise and airport will be flooded with fans eager to welcome the star.
