Mohamed Salah has completed one of the most surprising transfers of the summer after agreeing to join Trabzonspor on a two-year deal following the end of his Liverpool career.

The Egyptian leaves Anfield after nine unforgettable years, having mutually agreed to terminate his contract a year early.

While clubs from Saudi Arabia, the United States and elsewhere explored deals, Salah instead chose a move to Turkey in one of the most unexpected decisions of the transfer window.

This followed his deteriorating relationship with Reds boss Arne Slot, who guided Liverpool to the Premier League title in his debut season with Salah racking up 29 goals and 18 assists in 2024-25.

His outspoken nature and the club's wilting performance levels made his relationship with the head coach increasingly strained.

The 34-year-old has been pictured arriving in Turkey to a hero’s welcome as huge crowds of supporters gathered to see their marquee signing sporting the claret and sky blue shirt and conducting the chants.

How Trabzonspor Made The Deal Possible

Signing on a free transfer suggests this is an unrivalled coup in today’s market for the Egyptian, but covering the astronomical wage bill of £400,000 per week that Salah reportedly received at Liverpool meant Trabzonspor needed a comprehensive financial plan to complete the deal.

This became a roadblock for Besiktas as contract negotiations reached a standstill with Salah and his representatives.

Director Onder Ozen attributed the deal falling through to disagreements on image-rights demands and representative commission.

Salah expects the commercial package to be commensurate with his stature, from his salary arrangement to how the club and its sponsors highlight him, something suitors in Saudi Arabia or the United States would surely have been better placed to provide security on.

Former club colleague and fellow 34-year-old Sadio Mane earns in almost £650,000 per week, as he heads into his third year representing Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr.

Why Turkey Appealed To Salah

The attention Salah will still generate for Turkish football and for his own brand is undeniable, and the decision to remain close to Europe suggests his preference to experience the Turkish culture and atmosphere.

The deafening noise is something he pointed out when Liverpool lost 1-0 to Galatasaray on the road in the Champions League last September.

Why Mohamed Salah Will Wear The No. 61 Shirt

Salah is set to wear the No. 61 at his new club, leaving behind the No. 11 he was synonymous with at Liverpool and the No. 10 he dons for his national team. This is not just a whim, as the number is a symbol inextricably tied to the city and the football club.  

When the clock hits the 61st minute during Trabzonspor matches, there is confetti, fireworks and continued chanting.

It is also the area code of the city, while the shirt number has been worn by previous players at the club.

“When we are 6-0 ahead, they want us to concede a goal so the match can finish 6-1,” one supporter said to Copa 90.

“People pay extra to get a phone number that starts or ends with a 61.”

Salah will join Nathan Ake and Leandro Trossard in making moves from the Premier League to the Turkish top division this summer, but his choice to not sign for Fenerbahce, Besiktas, or Galatasaray is a surprise that bucks the trend.

What Salah Brings To Trabzonspor

He will share the dressing room with Manchester United loanee and goalkeeper Andre Onana, as well as Cape Verde duo Wanger Pina and Sidny Lopes Cabral, who scored against Argentina at the World Cup.

Trabzonspor finished third last season and earned entry into the Europa League qualification play-offs following their Turkish Cup triumph.

They will face the winner of Ferencvaros or Gornik Zabrze in a two-legged play-off later this month for a spot in the main draw of the Europa League, however, a defeat would still see them drop into the Conference League.

Salah's acquisition is much bigger than previous high-profile signings Daniel Sturridge and Nicolas Pepe, as Trabzonspor braces for what the Egyptian King will offer on the pitch as well as everything off it with huge excitement.