£14.5 million a season: Salah’s European stay with Trabzonspor

Why Salah chose Trabzonspor hinges on a £14.5 million per‑season salary and a 20 percent share of Salah‑branded merchandise. The Egyptian forward, Mohamed Salah, signed a two‑year contract on Thursday after his Liverpool deal expired at Anfield, securing his first move away from the Premier League while staying in Europe.

Salah will wear the number 10 shirt for Trabzonspor, a symbolic debut that marks his inaugural departure from the Premier League. The jersey change underscores his new role as the club’s marquee player.

Trabzonspor finished third in the Super Lig last season and will enter this month’s Europa League play‑offs. The Turkish side hopes Salah’s calibre can propel them into the group phase and generate additional UEFA revenue.

The club announced the agreement on the Turkish stock exchange, confirming the £14.5 million wage and the 20 percent merchandise clause. These terms make Salah one of the highest‑paid players in the Turkish league and reflect financial flexibility from inflation‑adjusted operating costs.

Saudi Pro League clubs and Major League Soccer teams, including Al‑Ittihad and Sporting Kansas City, were reported as serious contenders offering enormous monetary rewards. Nevertheless, the Egyptian international prioritized staying in Europe, a decision aligned with his recent World Cup knockout‑stage experience and desire to compete in UEFA tournaments across Europe.

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Although Trabzonspor lacks the global brand of Galatasaray or Fenerbahçe, it is a seven‑time Turkish champion and lifted the Turkish Cup last season. Salah becomes the club’s biggest signing ever.

Teammate Ernest Muci voluntarily gave up the number 10 jersey for Salah, who briefly appeared in a symbolic number 61 kit honoring the city of Trabzon. The deal was announced with a Getty Images photo of the Egyptian forward.

Former Scotland midfielder Ryan Jack said, “That’s one thing about Turkish football – the fans are incredibly passionate. The big clubs have huge support and they really get behind their teams.” His comment highlights the intense atmosphere Salah will encounter.

Trabzonspor’s immediate task is to navigate the two‑legged Europa League play‑off; victory secures a place in the league phase, while defeat drops them into the Conference League. Salah’s experience could prove decisive in either scenario.

Salah’s arrival also raises the profile of the Super Lig, which recorded the third‑highest net transfer spend worldwide last summer, behind only the Premier League and Saudi Pro League. His presence is expected to attract further attention and commercial interest.