Mohamed Salah has completed his move to Trabzonspor, but there is confusion over the Liverpool legend's new shirt number after he sported two different options at his unveiling
TRABZON, TURKIYE - AUGUST 05: Newly signed Egyptian football star Mohamed Salah speaks to members of the press upon his arrival at Trabzon Airport after Trabzonspor initiated transfer negotiations with the player, in Trabzon, Turkiye, on August 05, 2026. (Photo by Hakan Burak Altunoz/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Mohamed Salah has been unveiled after signing for Trabzonspor(Image: Getty Images)
Mohamed Salah is officially a Trabzonspor player, although there is some confusion about his new shirt number in Turkiye.
After weeks of speculation following his exit from Liverpool, the 34-year-old was officially unveiled by his new club on Wednesday. Having completed his medical in Istanbul, Salah was then greeted by a sea of fans in the city of Trabzon.
Earlier in the day, Trabzonspor posted pictures and a video of Salah wearing his new shirt as he made his way to Turkiye, with the forward sporting a new and rather unexpected number, having spent the past nine years wearing Liverpool’s No. 11 jersey.
Salah wore his new club’s home shirt as he landed in Istanbul, which bore his name and the number 61, naturally leading many to believe this was his new number.
Although it might have seemed a strange choice to many back at Liverpool, the No. 61 is an iconic symbol in Trabzon, as it's the city's license plate code, and has become a source of identity for locals.
Given Ozan Tufan is in possession of the No. 11 at Trabzonspor, that would appear to be out of the question. Meanwhile, the No. 10 shirt — which Salah wears when representing Egypt — also appeared to be unavailable, with Ernest Muci already holding that particular one.
Salah was seen sporting a No.61 shirt in a video posted by Trabzonspor ahead of his unveiling
Salah was seen sporting a No. 61 shirt in a video posted by Trabzonspor ahead of his unveiling
When he arrived in Trabzon later in the day, though, Salah was seen sporting another of the club’s shirts — again with his name printed, but this time alongside the No. 10.
This one would appear to be Salah’s official new number at Trabzonspor, with the club announcing that replica shirts with the winger’s name and the No. 10 are being sold at its stores.
Some reports have also indicated that Muci has offered to hand over his number to his new teammate, although it remains to be seen what his own number will be in the new season.
Salah was not short of options as he searched for his new club before eventually arriving at Trabzonspor. 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.
Another club in Turkiye was also in the running for his signature, with Besiktas having been in discussions with Salah in recent weeks before making him a final offer.
Reports have suggested that he has signed a two-year deal with his new side. Addressing supporters in a video posted to official club channels, Salah said: "Trabzon, are you ready? I can hear you. See you very soon.”