Erdogan ‘personally involved’ in Mohamed Salah talks as Besiktas chase landmark transfer

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has personally stepped into Besiktas’ bid to sign Mohamed Salah in what could become the most high-profile transfer in Turkish football history, according to reports in Turkey.

Presidential interest in Salah move

Turkish newspaper Zaman reports that negotiations to bring the Egypt and Liverpool star to Istanbul are no longer being treated as a routine sporting matter for Besiktas’ hierarchy, but are now being closely monitored by senior figures in the Turkish state.

The paper says Mr Erdogan has asked Besiktas president Serdal Adalı to provide him with a detailed briefing on the progress of talks with Salah, and is following “all the details” of the proposed deal.

Club officials are said to believe that this indirect backing from the highest political level could help the Istanbul side overcome the major financial hurdles involved in trying to sign one of world football’s most marketable players.

Financial obstacles and grand ambitions

Besiktas, three-time Turkish Super Lig champions in the last decade, are reported to see Salah as a transformational signing that would signal their intent not only to challenge domestically, but also to compete for dominance in European competitions.

However, the potential cost of such a move – including transfer fee, wages and image rights – represents an unprecedented financial commitment for a Turkish club.

The suggestion that the presidency is keeping a close eye on proceedings has fuelled speculation in Turkey that wider institutional support, including possible sponsorships or commercial partnerships, could be explored to make the deal viable.

Salah ‘expected in Istanbul on Wednesday’

In the same report, Zaman cites prominent Turkish journalist and TV presenter Erdogan Aktas, who claims that Salah is due to travel to Istanbul in the coming days to advance the move.

Aktas is quoted as saying the Egyptian forward is expected to land in the city on Wednesday to “put the final touches” on his contract with Besiktas, indicating that negotiations have reached an advanced stage.

No official confirmation has yet been issued by Besiktas, Salah’s current club, or the player’s representatives. There has also been no public comment from President Erdogan’s office regarding his reported involvement.

Record-breaking deal on the horizon

Should the transfer be completed, Zaman reports it would constitute the biggest deal in the history of the Turkish Super Lig, both in terms of market value and global attention.

Salah, widely regarded as one of the Premier League’s standout performers in recent seasons, has a vast international following and significant commercial appeal. His arrival in Istanbul would be expected to generate a surge in shirt sales, broadcasting interest and global visibility for both Besiktas and the Turkish league.

The potential signing has already triggered intense debate in Turkish media about the financial risks and rewards of such a move, and about the broader implications of direct political interest in major football transfers.

For now, Besiktas supporters and Turkish football fans are waiting to see whether the combination of club ambition and reported presidential support will be enough to pull off one of the most eye-catching transfers of recent years.