Mohamed Salah has finally found his new club after leaving Liverpool, although his decision to join Turkish club Trabzonspor has taken a few by surprise, including Michael Owen
ISTANBUL, TURKIYE - AUGUST 05: Egyptian footballer Mohamed Salah leaves Acibadem Maslak Hospital following his medical checks after Trabzonspor initiated transfer negotiations with the player, in Istanbul, Turkiye, on August 05, 2026. (Photo by Elif Ozturk/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Mohamed Salah has joined Turkish side Trabzonspor after leaving Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
Michael Owen has admitted to feeling underwhelmed by Mohamed Salah’s new club after the Liverpool legend’s move to Trabzonspor was confirmed.
Salah has made the switch to Turkiye after bringing his nine-year spell at Anfield to an end, having become the Reds’ third highest goalscorer of all time as well as being voted the club’s fourth greatest ever player.
The 34-year-old was not short of options as he searched for his new club. A move to Saudi Arabia has been touted for years after Al Ittihad’s failed attempt to sign him back in 2023, while a move to MLS also appeared to be an option after Sporting Kansas City emerged as a surprise contender for his signature.
In the end, Turkiye became the clear frontrunner as his next destination, with Besiktas having been in discussions with Salah in recent weeks before making him an offer.
Trabzonspor though has won the race for his signature, to some people’s surprise. Salah’s new club finished third in last season’s Super Lig, meaning it will have to go through a play-off later this month to land a spot in the Europa League.
Many had expected Salah to choose a club competing in the Champions League if he stayed in Europe, while fellow former Liverpool forward Owen thought there was a chance he would stay at Anfield following Arne Slot’s firing and Andoni Iraola arriving as head coach.
Mohamed Salah sealed an unexpected move to Trabzonspor on Wednesday
Mohamed Salah sealed an unexpected move to Trabzonspor on Wednesday
“I was a bit surprised, a bit under enamoured to be honest,” Owen, who now helps UK gamblers compare online casinos as the British ambassador for Casino.org, said.
“I thought with the change in manager at Liverpool, it could mean Mo would be able to stay, so not sure whether anything was pre-agreed with him going to Turkiye. I wasn’t sure whether Saudi or US MLS would be an option as well, especially the latter where you’ve seen top players go.”
Salah was greeted by a swathe of supporters as he arrived in Istanbul on Wednesday to undergo his medical. He is expected to arrive in Trabzon later in the day to complete his transfer, with reports having suggested that he will be signing a two-year deal with the club.
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"Trabzon, are you ready? I can hear you. See you very soon," Salah said on a video posted to official club channels.
Liverpool.com says: It is odd to see Salah signing for Trabzonspor, but there was never any chance he was going to stay at Liverpool, even with Slot being fired. You don’t make a farewell video two months before the end of the season if you’re not definitely leaving.
It does feel like he could have landed at a bigger name in Europe though, and perhaps played in the Champions League once again. Still, we can only wish a true Liverpool legend the best of luck at his new club.