Liverpool and Egypt legend Mohamed Salah has found his next club, Turkish side Trabzonspor, after ending his successful nine-year spell on Merseyside earlier this summer
Mohamed Salah is on the verge of joining Trabzonspor
Mohamed Salah is on the verge of joining Trabzonspor(Image: Getty Images)
Mohamed Salah has shocked Liverpool fans by unveiling his new shirt number at Trabzonspor: the No. 61.
Salah, 34, is on the verge of completing a free transfer to the Turkish side following his summer departure from Anfield. While the Egyptian forward is still to complete a medical and put pen to paper, he's arrived in Turkey and tried on his new jersey.
Trabzonspor has uploaded pictures of Salah wearing the No. 61 shirt on its social media channels, leaving Liverpool fans confused as to why he's chosen that number. Yet the decision makes perfect sense when you consider the city's history.
The No. 61 is an iconic symbol in Trabzon, as it's the city's license plate code. The number has become a source of identity for locals, which is why Salah has chosen it.
Salah famously wore the No. 11 at Liverpool for nine seasons, but that is currently occupied by Ozan Tufan at Trabzonspor. The Reds icon wears No. 10 for Egypt, but Ernest Muci is in possession of that jersey at his new club.
It's still unclear how long Salah's contract with Trabzonspor will be. Yet the transfer ensures Salah will remain in European soccer for the time being, having previously been linked with clubs in Saudi Arabia and the United States.
Salah will wear the No. 61 at Trabzonspor
Salah will wear the No. 61 at Trabzonspor(Image: Getty Images)
Trabzonspor will be expecting to win silverware this season, with Salah leading its attack. The team defeated Konyaspor 2-1 to win last term's Turkish Cup final, having finished third in the Turkish Super Lig.
Trabzonspor still needs to qualify for this season's Europa League after securing a spot in the playoff round. Salah and his teammates will take on the winner of the tie between Polish side Gornik Zabrze and Hungarian outfit Ferencvaros for a place in Europe.
Salah will be determined to win silverware with Trabzonspor and cement his legacy as one of the greatest players of his generation.
He scored 257 goals for Liverpool to become the club's third-highest goalscorer behind Ian Rush (346) and Roger Hunt (285).
Salah won several trophies at Liverpool, including two Premier League titles and the 2019 Champions League. His previous clubs include Basel, Chelsea, Fiorentina and Roma.
"Trabzon, are you ready?" Salah told the club's fans on social media. "I am here, see you soon. Wherever we are, Trabzon is here."
Salah's private jet landed in Istanbul on Wednesday, allowing him to complete his medical and sign his contract. He received a hero's welcome at the airport.
After taking care of business in Istanbul, Salah is expected to fly to Trabzon, located on the other side of the country, later on Wednesday.