Former Liverpool striker Mohamed Salah has officially been unveiled as a new Trabzonspor player, in a surprising move that has sent shockwaves through the football world. The Turkish side, which finished third in last season's Turkish Super Lig and is set to compete in the UEFA Europa League playoffs later this month, announced the signing of the Egyptian star on August 5, 2026. The announcement came with a dramatic social media post featuring Salah with the caption "Salah Mode: ON," accompanied by images of the forward wearing a Trabzonspor shirt with the number 61.
Salah, who was also in talks to join Major League Soccer or the Saudi Pro League this summer, left Liverpool in May after nine years at the English club. During his time at Anfield, he became a legendary figure, scoring 257 goals in 442 appearances and cementing his status as one of the greatest players in the club's history. In March 2026, he announced on social media that he would leave as a free agent in the summer, marking the end of an extraordinary journey in the Premier League that saw him win numerous trophies and individual accolades.
A Surprising Move to Trabzon
The move to Trabzonspor came together quickly. Turkish television showed images of Salah wearing a shirt with No. 61 at the airport in Istanbul, where he traveled before heading to Trabzon, the city on the Black Sea coast where he will be unveiled in front of the press and his new fans. According to the latest reports, the 34-year-old will sign a two-year deal until the summer of 2028, a contract that will keep him in Turkey for the foreseeable future.
Trabzonspor's interest in Salah represents a major coup for the club. The team finished third in the Turkish Super Lig last season, securing a spot in the Europa League playoffs. Adding a player of Salah's caliber is a statement of intent, as the club looks to challenge for domestic honors and make a deep run in European competition. The Turkish fans are known for their passionate support, and the arrival of one of the most recognizable footballers on the planet is expected to generate immense excitement in Trabzon and across the country.
Salah's Liverpool Legacy
Salah's career at Liverpool is nothing short of remarkable. He arrived at Anfield in 2017 from AS Roma and immediately made an impact, scoring 32 goals in his first Premier League season, a record for a 38-game campaign. That helped him win the first of his four Premier League Golden Boot awards. Over the next nine years, Salah became the focal point of Liverpool's attack, forming devastating partnerships with players like Sadio Mané and Roberto Firmino under manager Jürgen Klopp.
During his time in England, Salah helped Liverpool achieve incredible success. He won two Premier League titles, the Champions League, the Club World Cup, the UEFA Super Cup, the FA Cup, and two EFL Cups. He was also a consistent individual performer, winning the Premier League Golden Boot on four occasions and being named the Professional Footballers' Association Player of the Year three times, in 2018, 2022, and 2025. His goal-scoring record against the league's top clubs, his ability to produce in crucial moments, and his durability made him one of the most feared attackers in world football.
In total, Salah scored 257 goals and provided countless assists in 442 appearances for Liverpool. He leaves as the club's fifth-highest all-time scorer and the highest-scoring African player in Premier League history. His legacy at Anfield is secure, with many considering him alongside Kenny Dalglish, Steven Gerrard, and Ian Rush in the pantheon of Liverpool legends. The emotional farewell in May, when Liverpool played their final home game of the season, was a testament to the bond he formed with the supporters.
The Final Season and Fallout with Slot
Salah's final season at Liverpool was not without controversy. Despite signing a contract extension in 2025 and playing a key role in Liverpool's Premier League title triumph under Arne Slot, scoring 29 goals and providing 18 assists, his playing time and relationship with the Dutch manager deteriorated towards the end of the year. Slot dropped him from the squad for three consecutive games at the end of December before Salah traveled to play the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt.
While on international duty, Salah openly spoke with reporters, accusing Slot of "throwing him under the bus" amid a run of negative results for the club. He also said he had no relationship with the coach and questioned whether he would stay at the club in the January transfer window. These comments created a rift between player and manager, and upon his return from the Africa Cup of Nations, Salah was left out of the squad traveling to San Siro, where Liverpool won 1-0 against Inter in Milan.
When Salah came back from the Africa Cup of Nations over the winter, he was reintegrated into the roster but failed to become a regular starter under Slot again. The situation remained tense for months, and in March 2026, Salah announced his decision to leave the club. Two months later, Liverpool parted ways with Slot and appointed Andoni Iraola as his successor ahead of the new season. The decision to change managers came too late to convince Salah to stay, and he departed as a free agent.
International Career and World Cup
Salah's international career with Egypt has also been a central part of his legacy. He led Egypt at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, where they reached the round of 16 before being eliminated by Argentina in heartbreaking fashion. Lionel Messi's Albiceleste mounted an incredible comeback in the final minutes of the game, denying Egypt a place in the quarterfinals. Despite the disappointment, Salah was a standout performer throughout the tournament, captaining his side with pride and scoring crucial goals.
Over his career, Salah has been a talisman for Egypt, taking them to the 2018 World Cup after a 28-year absence and establishing himself as the nation's all-time leading scorer. He has won the African Player of the Year award multiple times and remains a national hero. His decision to join Trabzonspor will be closely followed in Egypt, and his performances in Turkey will be scrutinized by fans and pundits alike, as he continues to play at a high level despite being in his mid-30s.
What This Means for Trabzonspor
The signing of Mohamed Salah is a transformative moment for Trabzonspor. The club has been a major force in Turkish football historically, winning the Super Lig multiple times, but has not always had the financial or sporting pull to attract players of Salah's global stature. This deal changes that perception. Salah brings not only his on-pitch quality but also a massive commercial appeal, with his jersey expected to sell in huge numbers and the club's brand recognition set to grow internationally.
On the pitch, Salah will likely be deployed as a right winger or as a central forward, bringing his trademark speed, dribbling, and clinical finishing to the Turkish league. His experience in the Champions League and Europa League will be invaluable for a team looking to make an impression in European competition. Trabzonspor will face a tough playoff to reach the Europa League group stage, but with Salah in their ranks, they will be a formidable opponent for any club.
The move also raises questions about the level of fitness and motivation Salah can maintain at 34 years old. While he proved last season that he can still produce at the highest level, the Turkish Super Lig is a demanding league, and the spotlight that comes with his signing will bring constant scrutiny. However, Salah has always thrived on pressure, and the chance to lead a club to glory in a new country appears to have been a compelling challenge for him.
As he begins this new chapter in his career, Salah will aim to add more trophies to his already impressive collection. For Trabzonspor, the signing is a statement of ambition, and the fans will be dreaming of a Super Lig title and a deep European run. The story of Salah in Turkey is just beginning, and it is already one of the most intriguing narratives of the 2026-27 season.
Source: CBS Sports News