With negotiations nearing completion, Mohamed Salah’s potential move to Besiktas is creating unprecedented buzz across Turkey. The Egyptian superstar’s arrival would mark one of the most significant transfers in the country’s football history.
«We’re waiting for the announcement,» exclaims Taha, a Besiktas fan, seated on the steps of the club’s stadium in Istanbul. His eyes glued to his phone, he refreshes news feeds for updates on Mohamed Salah (34), now a free agent. Local reports indicate a potential one-year deal worth €12 million, with performance bonuses included.
Why this transfer would be historic
Eren Tutel, a Besiktas specialist and journalist, doesn’t hesitate: «This could easily be the biggest transfer in the club’s history—and even in the entire Turkish league.» Salah’s arrival would bring not only unparalleled sporting talent but also global recognition and commercial appeal. The Egyptian forward, a Premier League winner with Chelsea (2015) and Liverpool (2020, 2025), and a Champions League champion (2019), would join Besiktas with a trophy-laden resume.
Caner Isbegendiren, of the sports daily Fanatik, points out another dimension: «Salah isn’t just a player; he’s a national icon in Egypt, almost an ambassador for the country.» His popularity transcends sport, making him a magnet for media attention and sponsorships.
From supporters to superstardom: the Salah effect
- Taha: «I woke up from surgery and the first thing I did was check if Salah had signed.»
- Sahit: «He tops even Quaresma’s legacy at Besiktas and Osimhen’s move to Galatasaray. His trophy haul speaks for itself.» Triple Premier League winner and Champions League champion, Salah’s arrival would elevate Besiktas’ profile globally.
- Fan reaction: Supporters are already lining up outside the club store, waiting for Salah’s jersey. «I’ll buy his shirt first,» says Ali, draped in a Besiktas scarf. «The airport will be swarmed if he joins.»
Besiktas’ struggle and Salah’s role in revival
Besiktas hasn’t won a league title since 2021 and now trails behind rivals Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe, and Trabzonspor. The club’s morale is low, but Salah’s potential arrival could reverse the tide. The team recently signed Belgian winger Leandro Trossard from Arsenal for €18 million, a move met with chants of Salah’s name during his presentation. Tutel notes: «Salah could anchor a balanced team, something Besiktas has lacked in recent years.»
If the deal materializes, Besiktas won’t just gain a star player—they’ll gain a global phenomenon. From jerseys to social media buzz, Salah’s presence would redefine the club’s commercial and sporting future. For now, fans in Istanbul hold their breath, waiting for the announcement that could change everything.
