Fans of Besiktas are holding their breath as the club edges closer to finalizing a deal for Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian superstar, aged 34 and currently a free agent, could soon don the black and white jersey, marking one of the most anticipated transfers in the history of Turkish football.
Taha, a lifelong supporter, sits on the steps of the Vodafone Park stadium, his eyes glued to his phone. “We’re waiting for the announcement,” he says, pointing toward the Bosphorus. Nearby, supporters like Sahit compare the potential arrival of Salah to other legendary signings, such as Quaresma at Besiktas and Osimhen at Galatasaray, but emphasize that Salah’s global stature and trophy-laden career make him a game-changer.
Why this transfer would be historic
Eren Tutel, a Besiktas specialist and journalist, describes this potential signing as “the biggest transfer in the club’s history—and possibly in the entire Turkish league.” Salah, a three-time Premier League winner (2015 with Chelsea, 2020 and 2025 with Liverpool) and 2019 Champions League champion, would arrive in Turkey with an unparalleled resume. “His combination of sporting excellence, global fame, and commercial appeal is unmatched,” Tutel adds.
Caner Isbegendiren, a columnist for Fanatik familiar with Turkish transfers, points out another dimension: “Salah is Egypt’s most beloved athlete, a national icon who could elevate the club’s profile beyond football.” While negotiations are still underway, the excitement among Besiktas supporters is palpable.
Besiktas’ struggle and Salah’s potential impact
Besiktas has struggled since its last league title in 2021, finishing fourth in the previous season and lagging behind rivals Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe, and Trabzonspor. The club’s morale is low, but a signing of this magnitude could reverse fortunes. “Bringing Salah in would signal a shift,” Tutel explains. “Besiktas needs to build a balanced team around him—something it has lacked in recent years.”
Besiktas has already made a statement by signing Belgian winger Leandro Trossard from Arsenal for €18 million. His arrival was met with chants of “Salah! Salah!” by 20,000 fans during his presentation. If Salah joins, the club could attract even more high-profile players, further strengthening its squad.
What’s next for Besiktas and its fans
For supporters like Ali, a 32-year-old clad in the club’s colors, the anticipation is overwhelming. “I came to check out the new season’s jersey, but I’ll wait to buy Salah’s,” he says. If the deal goes through, the merchandise shops and even Istanbul Airport could be swarmed by fans eager to welcome the Egyptian star.
The club’s emblem, an eagle, has spread its wings wide—first with Trossard, and potentially soon with Salah. The merger of local ambition and global stardom could redefine Besiktas’ future in Turkish football.
