Besiktas have finally addressed the swirling speculation surrounding Mohamed Salah, and their response leaves little room for interpretation.
The Turkish giants have been at the centre of a transfer storm for days, with reports claiming the Liverpool legend was closing in on a sensational move to Istanbul.
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Fans had even filled the stadium during Leandro Trossard’s unveiling chanting Salah’s name, such was the belief that a deal was close.
That belief has now been firmly shut down.
Besiktas released an official statement distancing themselves entirely from the rumours, taking direct aim at journalist Yağız Sabuncuoğlu, who had claimed the club made an opening offer and that Salah’s representatives were already in Istanbul discussing terms.
The club did not hold back in their response.
“Statement from Our Club.”
“The posts made by journalist Yağız Sabuncuoğlu on digital platforms regarding our club’s transfer processes and the rumoured transfer conditions are absolutely products of imagination.”
“The individual in question has been misleading the public for a long time by disseminating news fabricated at the desk, which has no connection whatsoever to reality, concerning our club’s transfer processes.”
“As we have stated before, the most accurate and transparent information regarding our club’s transfer processes is shared with our fans and the public through our official communication channels.”
“We once again earnestly request from the public, especially our fans, not to place any credence in any information or news that has not been shared through our official communication channels.”
“Beşiktaş JK.”
It is about as blunt a denial as a football club can issue, and it effectively brands weeks of reporting as pure fiction.
Salah’s camp has echoed the same message.
His agent, Ramy Abbas Issa, took to social media to reject claims that an agreement was already in place, saying he personally does not know where Salah will play next season, and questioning what that should tell everyone following the saga.
The 33 year old officially became a free agent this month after nine trophy laden years at Liverpool, a spell that produced 257 goals in more than 440 appearances and eight major honours under multiple managers, most recently Arne Slot.
His farewell season saw him contribute 12 goals and 10 assists in 41 appearances, before leading Egypt to the Round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup, where he scored against New Zealand and set up another against Belgium before bowing out to Argentina.
With Besiktas now publicly ruling themselves out of any active negotiation, and interest from Major League Soccer and the Saudi Pro League still lingering in the background, Salah’s next destination remains completely open.
For now, Istanbul appears to have been little more than noise.
Kulübümüzden Açıklama
Gazeteci Yağız Sabuncuoğlu’nun dijital mecralardan kulübümüzün transfer süreçleri ve konu edilen transfer şartlarıyla alakalı yaptığı paylaşımlar kesinlikle hayal ürünüdür.
Söz konusu şahıs, uzun süredir kulübümüzün transfer süreçleriyle ilgili olarak masa… pic.twitter.com/6Y8QD0LGSF
— Beşiktaş JK (@Besiktas) July 17, 2026