Mohamed Salah is on the verge of joining Turkish side Trabzonspor, a move that has left former Liverpool striker Dean Saunders shell-shocked. The 34-year-old Egyptian forward, who announced his departure from Liverpool in March, has been linked with moves to Saudi Arabia, Italy, and Major League Soccer, but it is Trabzonspor that has won the race for his signature.
Salah's Surprise Destination
Salah will become the fourth former Liverpool player to represent both clubs competitively, following in the footsteps of Daniel Sturridge, who also joined Trabzonspor on a free transfer after leaving Anfield. The Turkish club had reportedly faced competition from Besiktas, but they ultimately secured the deal.
Dean Saunders, who played for Galatasaray during his career, expressed his disbelief on TalkSPORT: "I'm stunned! What has Mo Salah done?! And this is no disrespect because I went to Galatasaray. My son was born there and I had a great time in Turkey. And Trabzonspor is a big club in Turkey. But why on earth has Mo Salah left Liverpool to go there? I honestly thought he’s going to Saudi Arabia. Why didn’t he stay at Liverpool?!"
What Trabzonspor Offers
Trabzonspor won the Turkish Cup last season and claimed the Super Lig title in 2021/22, but they are not considered one of Turkey's traditional giants, having won the league only seven times in their history. Salah will join a squad that includes Manchester United loanee Andre Onana, former Manchester City defender Stefan Savic, ex-Southampton striker Paul Onuachu, former Everton youngster John Lundstram, and Cape Verde international Sidny Lopes Cabral, who scored a memorable goal against Argentina at the 2025 World Cup.
Having finished third last season, Trabzonspor will compete in the Europa League play-off round rather than the Champions League. Salah, who spent nine years at Liverpool and won every major honour, including two Premier League titles and the Champions League, will hope to have a similar impact in Trabzon.
