Trabzonspor chase European boost with Salah as AZ lock up Goes

Trabzonspor are looking to add a proven goal‑scorer as they prepare for end‑August play‑offs, while Dutch side AZ Alkmaar have secured the long‑term services of defender Wouter Goes. Both clubs address key squad gaps ahead of the new season, and the announcements involve Mohamed Salah, Trabzon, AZ and Goes.

Trabzonspor finished third in the Turkish Süper Lig last season and will compete in play‑offs for a Europa League place. The club’s ambition to return to European competition creates a clear need for a striker with a record of delivering goals at the highest level.

Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah spent nine seasons at Liverpool, playing 442 matches and contributing 257 goals and 123 assists. In his most recent campaign he added twelve goals and ten assists from 41 league appearances, underscoring his continued potency.

Salah’s move to Trabzonspor is now in the final stages. The club announced that he will arrive on Wednesday at 12:00 p.m. Istanbul Atatürk Airport and will travel to Trabzon later that evening.

At Trabzonspor he will join Ukrainian play‑maker Ruslan Malinovskyi and Cape Verde internationals Kevin Pina and Sidny Lopes Cabral, the latter two signed from Benfica shortly before the World Cup.

Trabzonspor said further details of the reception programme will be released through official channels in the coming days, promising a spectacle for supporters on Wednesday.

In the Netherlands, AZ Alkmaar moved quickly to retain a home‑grown defender after a season of cup success. The club announced that Wouter Goes has signed a new deal extending his stay until the summer of 2030.

Goes entered AZ’s youth system in 2016, made his first‑team debut in February 2023 and has amassed 125 official appearances. He featured in AZ’s recent KNVB Cup triumph and the Johan Cruyff Shield victory over PSV.

Technical director Niels van Duinen explained that extending Goes’ contract was a key summer objective, noting that the 22‑year‑old has become an important player for the club and that keeping a product of their own academy is a major compliment.

The new contract now runs to 2030, providing AZ with stability in defense and ensuring that the defender remains a core part of the squad as the club builds for the upcoming campaign.