Mohamed Salah has been pictured wearing Trabzonspor's home kit for the first time, with the former Liverpool forward set to sign a two-year contract with the Turkish Super Lig club.
The 34-year-old Egyptian, who left Liverpool as a free agent at the end of last season, was greeted by fans and media while wearing the red and blue shirt. Trabzonspor confirmed on Tuesday evening that transfer negotiations had begun and that Salah would arrive in Trabzon on Wednesday.
Shock Move to Turkey
Salah had been heavily linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, but Turkish clubs made determined efforts to secure his services. Trabzonspor emerged as the shock victors in the race for his signature, with the club announcing his arrival schedule.
"Professional footballer Mohamed Salah, with whom we have begun transfer negotiations, will be at Istanbul Atatürk Airport General Aviation Terminal at 12:00 on Wednesday, August 5," the club said in a statement. "The player is scheduled to arrive in Trabzon on the same day in the evening hours."
Reunion with Familiar Faces
Salah will team up with Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana, who has returned to Trabzonspor on loan for a second campaign. Former Manchester City defender Stefan Savic is another ex-Premier League star currently at the club.
Salah delivered a heartfelt goodbye when his Liverpool departure was confirmed in March. "Liverpool is not just a football club, it's a passion, it's a history, it's a spirit," he said. "I can't explain in words to anyone not part of this club."
"We celebrated victory, we won the most important trophies and we fought together through the hardest time in our life. I want to thank everyone who was part of this club throughout my time here, especially the teammates past and present."
"And to the fans, I don't have enough words. The support you showed me through the best time of my career and you stood by me in the toughest times. It's something I will never forget and something I will take with me always."
