Zero fee lure: Turkish Trabzonspor eyes Salah to power European push

Zero transfer fee is on the table as Turkish Trabzonspor move to sign 34‑year‑old Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah, aiming to boost their European campaign. The club, which finished third in the Super Lig and will enter the Europa League playoff round, sees the free‑agent striker as the missing goal‑scorer.

Trabzonspor, the fourth‑largest Turkish club, finished third in the Super Lig last season and will enter the Europa League playoff round. The club says a proven goal‑scorer is essential to strengthen its European campaign.

The target is 34‑year‑old Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah, who left Liverpool after nine seasons and is now a free agent. Salah’s availability offers a rare opportunity for a marquee signing without a transfer fee.

Trabzonspor disclosed on Turkey’s public disclosure platform that formal negotiations have begun to bring Salah to the Black Sea side, confirming the intent to sign him on a free transfer. Earlier talks with Istanbul rivals Besiktas collapsed, leaving the striker available on a free basis.

Chairman Ertugrul Dogan told A Spor that Salah is expected in Istanbul for medical examinations on Wednesday before travelling to Trabzon, with a contract signing anticipated on Thursday. Dogan expressed hope the free transfer will be finalised within the week.

During his nine‑year spell at Liverpool, Salah amassed 257 goals in 442 appearances and helped the English club win two Premier League titles and one Champions League trophy. He is regarded as one of Liverpool’s most prolific recent players.

In the 2024‑25 season he recorded 29 Premier League goals and 18 assists, matching the league record for total goal involvements and earning Player of the Season, Golden Boot and Playmaker awards. The previous campaign saw his output drop to seven goals and seven assists in 27 league matches, a bench role in Champions League fixtures and a public dispute with then‑manager Arne Slot.

Salah’s European journey began in 2012 with Swiss side Basel, followed by spells at Chelsea, Fiorentina and AS Roma before his long tenure at Liverpool paved the way for a potential move to Turkey. A transfer would mark his return to the Turkish league after years abroad.

If the free transfer is completed, the Black Sea side will add a marquee forward to strengthen its squad for continental competition. The deal would provide Salah with a new club after his Liverpool exit, a mutually beneficial outcome for both parties.