Mohamed Salah officially joins Trabzonspor on a free transfer

Trabzonspor have officially completed the signing of Egypt captain Mohamed Salah on a free transfer, bringing an end to one of the most closely watched stories of the summer transfer window.

The Turkish club announced the deal on its official social media accounts, alongside a video showing Salah making his first appearance in Trabzonspor’s maroon and blue shirt.

The accompanying message said: “In the maroon and blue shirt for the first time in front of the cameras… and his first message to the great Trabzonspor fans.”

In the video, Salah addressed supporters directly, saying: “To the Trabzonspor fans, are you ready? See you soon.”

He also added the Turkish phrase: “Bize Her Yer Trabzon.”

The phrase is a well-known slogan among Trabzonspor supporters. Its literal meaning is “Everywhere is Trabzon for us”, expressing the belief that the club’s fans regard themselves as being at home wherever they go. It is also used to reflect their pride in and sense of belonging to Trabzonspor.

The announcement follows several days of rapid developments. Trabzonspor first confirmed that it had opened official negotiations with Salah before announcing when the player would arrive in Turkey. He then underwent a medical examination and completed the formalities required to finalise the move.

Salah’s transfer brings to a close a prolonged period of uncertainty over his next destination. The 33-year-old had been linked with several clubs in recent weeks, including Turkish sides Besiktas and Trabzonspor’s domestic rivals, as well as Atletico Madrid in Spain.

There had also been reported interest from Saudi Arabian clubs Al-Ittihad and Al-Diriyah, while clubs from Major League Soccer were also said to be monitoring his situation.

In the end, the Egypt international chose to remain in European football by joining Trabzonspor. The club will rely on his experience and record at the highest level as it looks to compete successfully in domestic and continental football during the new season.

The move also marks a fresh chapter in the career of one of the most accomplished players in Egyptian football history. Salah has ended his nine-year spell with Liverpool, where he established himself as one of the leading forwards in world football and became a central figure in the club’s most successful period in recent years.

During his time at Liverpool, he won the Premier League, the UEFA Champions League, the FIFA Club World Cup and the UEFA Super Cup, among a long list of team honours and individual records.

His arrival gives Trabzonspor a player with extensive experience of competing for major trophies in Europe, while Salah begins a new stage of his career in Turkey after an historic spell at Liverpool.