Reports in Turkey claimed Mo Salah had reached an agreement to join Besiktas on a free transfer, which sparked a fierce response from his agent and the club.
Journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglu claimed on Friday that Salah had struck an agreement on financial terms with Besiktas.
In a series of posts on X, Sabuncuoglu wrote that the 34-year-old had reduced his salary demands of around £250,000 a week and that talks were now ongoing over the length of his contract.
That suggested a move to Besiktas was close, with there known to be interest in Turkey this summer including from rivals Fenerbahce.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, May 24, 2026: Liverpool's Mohamed Salah with his eldest daughter Makka (R) after the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Brentford FC at Anfield. The game ended 1-1. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
But in an official statement on Friday evening, Besiktas dismissed Sabuncuoglu’s claims as “entirely fabricated.”
“This individual has been openly misleading the public for a long time by circulating fabricated news about our club’s transfer processes that have absolutely no connection to reality,” the club added.
Salah’s representative, Ramy Abbas Issa, also took to X to deliver a pointed message: “It is not our style to have discussions with clubs that Mohamed wouldn’t want to play for, just for the sake of noise.
“I personally do not know where Mohamed will play next season. What does that tell you?”
LONDON, ENGLAND - Sunday, August 13, 2023: Ramy Abbas Issa, football agent for Liverpool's Mohamed Salah seen before the FA Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Liverpool FC at Stamford Bridge. The game ended in a 1-1 draw. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Abbas is the Egyptian forward’s sole point of contact when it comes to footballing matters, which serves as an emphatic response to Sabuncuoglu’s reports.
Despite this, the self-proclaimed journalist insists he “stands by” his information regarding Salah’s switch to Besiktas.
“My respect for Besiktas is endless, but I stand by my Salah story,” Sabuncuoglu wrote on X.
“Mohamed Salah, whose news I broke first in Turkey, has reached an agreement with Besiktas. The official signing hasn’t happened yet.
“Hopefully, we’ll also get to share the signing news with our Besiktas fan friends. Best regards.”
Who will Mo Salah sign for this summer?
It is a messy situation which gives no clarity when it comes to Salah’s future after leaving Liverpool earlier this month.
The No. 11 is attracting interest from a number of clubs including MLS sides Sporting Kansas City and San Diego FC, along with long-term suitors from Saudi Arabia.
With Egypt having exited the World Cup at the round of 16, Salah is currently taking in a break after a long season for club and country before making a decision over his future.
There appears little chance of joining another Premier League club, while re-signing with Liverpool has been ruled out despite Arne Slot leaving.