Mohamed Salah’s future remains one of the biggest stories of the summer transfer window as the former Liverpool forward edges closer to deciding the next chapter of his career.
Since leaving Anfield at the end of last season, the Egypt international has attracted interest from several clubs, with Saudi Arabia and Turkey emerging as the leading destinations.
UK ONLY
In recent days, Trabzonspor have moved to the forefront of the race. Multiple reports in Turkey have claimed the Super Lig side have reached an agreement with Salah on a two-year contract, with discussions centred on a lucrative financial package.
Those reports have followed weeks of speculation linking the 34-year-old with a move to Turkish football.
While reports of a deal with Trabzonspor have gathered momentum, the situation may not yet be settled.
Fresh claims from Egypt suggest another club is attempting to intervene before any agreement is finalised.
According to Egyptian journalist Ismael Mahmoudd, Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad are trying to hijack Salah’s proposed move to Trabzonspor.
Reliable journalist Ismael Mahmoud of WinWin reports that the club is currently searching for funding solutions in an effort to submit a competitive offer within the coming hours or days.
The report adds that Al-Ittihad are hoping Salah does not complete an agreement with the Turkish club before they are in a position to make their approach.
The Saudi club are reportedly working behind the scenes to create an opportunity to bring the former Liverpool star to Jeddah instead.
Mahmoudd’s latest update is consistent with previous reporting that Al-Ittihad have retained a long-standing interest in Mohamed Salah.
Earlier this year, the same journalist reported that both Al-Ittihad and Al-Qadsiah were preparing contract offers after Liverpool confirmed the Egyptian would leave the club, with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund expected to support a move.
Al-Ittihad’s admiration for Salah is well established. The club famously saw a bid worth up to £150 million rejected by Liverpool in 2023 and have continued to monitor his situation ever since.
Following his departure from Anfield, they were again identified among the leading contenders for his signature.
The latest report comes against the backdrop of increasing confidence in Turkey that Trabzonspor are close to securing the deal.
On Tuesday, reports claimed Salah had agreed a two-year contract that would include an annual salary of €17 million, a €5 million signing bonus and a share of shirt-sale revenue, although no official confirmation has been made by either party.