Mohamed Salah set to join Trabzonspor and form attacking partnership with Paul Onuachu

Trabzonspor are close to completing the signing of Egypt and Liverpool great Mohamed Salah, with the veteran forward expected to lead their attack alongside Nigeria striker Paul Onuachu next season.

The Turkish club have confirmed that negotiations are under way to bring in the two-time African Footballer of the Year. Salah is due to arrive at Istanbul Airport on Wednesday as discussions over a move continue.

Salah, who is currently a free agent, is expected to sign a two-year contract with Trabzonspor if the deal is finalised.

His arrival would give the club a major attacking option alongside Onuachu, who played a central role in their goalscoring last season. The former FC Ebedei striker scored 36% of Trabzonspor’s Super Lig goals during the 2025-26 campaign.

Onuachu enjoyed a breakthrough season and finished as the league’s joint top scorer, sharing that honour with Istanbul Basaksehir forward Eldor Shomurodov.

However, the Nigeria international has not scored in Trabzonspor’s three pre-season matches so far. The club have reportedly identified Salah as a player who can reduce the goalscoring responsibility currently resting on Onuachu.

Salah is set to join a group of African players at Trabzonspor, including Nigeria internationals Chibuike Nwaiwu and Onuachu. Cape Verde players Sidny Lopes Cabral and Wagner Pina are also part of the squad, along with Cameroon goalkeeper Andre Onana.

Despite featuring prominently during Trabzonspor’s pre-season preparations and friendly matches, both Nwaiwu and Onuachu continue to be linked with possible moves away from the club.

Trabzonspor’s pursuit of Salah comes as they prepare for the new season, with the club looking to strengthen an attack that relied heavily on Onuachu’s finishing last term. The proposed two-year agreement would see Salah take on a leading role in the side if negotiations conclude as expected.

The former Liverpool forward is regarded as one of Egypt’s most prominent players and has twice been named African Footballer of the Year. His potential move to Turkey would add further experience and attacking quality to a Trabzonspor squad that already includes a number of established African internationals.

For now, the club have confirmed only that negotiations have opened. Salah’s planned arrival in Istanbul on Wednesday is expected to provide the next significant development in the move, with the player set to discuss the proposed transfer before a contract is signed.