“We’re waiting for the announcement,” declares Taha, a Besiktas supporter seated on the stadium steps in Istanbul. His eyes fixed on his phone, the young fan scans updates about Mohamed Salah (34), a free agent reportedly close to signing with the Turkish club. Local reports suggest a one-year contract with an option for renewal, valued at €12 million plus bonuses.
A deal that could redefine Besiktas and Turkish football
Eren Tutel, a Besiktas specialist and journalist, emphasizes the magnitude of the potential transfer: “This could easily become the biggest signing in the club’s history—and even the entire Turkish league. No other player combines such sporting excellence, global recognition, and commercial appeal.”
Sahit, another fan outside the stadium, compares Salah’s potential arrival to that of Quaresma, a Besiktas legend with 154 appearances between 2015 and 2019, as well as Osimhen’s move to Galatasaray in 2024. “Salah brings a bigger trophy cabinet,” Sahit argues. A three-time Premier League winner (2015 with Chelsea, 2020 and 2025 with Liverpool) and Champions League champion (2019), Salah arrives in Turkey with an impressive résumé. “He’s also Egypt’s most popular figure—a true ambassador for his country,” adds Caner Isbegendiren of Fanatik, stressing that negotiations are still ongoing.
A struggling Besiktas in desperate need of a star
The anticipation in Istanbul is palpable. A viral video shows a supporter waking up from anesthesia, immediately checking for news of Salah’s signing. Since winning the league in 2021, Besiktas has slipped behind rivals Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe, and Trabzonspor, finishing fourth last season. The club’s morale is at an all-time low.
To reverse their fortunes, Besiktas has already secured midfielder Leandro Trossard from Arsenal for €18 million. The Belgian, 31, a recent English champion, was presented to 20,000 fans last Thursday, with the crowd chanting Salah’s name. His arrival could pave the way for further high-profile signings, Tutel notes: “Besiktas must build a balanced team around him—a flaw in their recent strategies.”
Ali, 32, wearing a black-and-white jersey, heads to the club shop beneath the stadium. “I’m here for the new season’s merchandise, but I’ll wait to buy Salah’s jersey,” he says. If the deal goes through, the club store and airport will be flooded with fans eager to welcome the Egyptian star.