Besiktas enters the race for Salah with a Turkish move on the horizon

18/07/2026

ISTANBUL, July 18: Turkish club Besiktas has reportedly approached Egyptian superstar Mohamed Salah, with speculation growing that a surprise move to Istanbul could be nearing completion.

Turkish journalist Yağız Sabuncuoğlu reported that Besiktas has submitted an offer for the Liverpool forward, adding that Salah is open to reducing his financial demands to make the potential transfer happen.

According to the reports, Salah initially asked for an annual salary of €15 million, but lowered his demands during the first round of talks with Besiktas officials.

The latest indication that negotiations are progressing came with the arrival of Salah’s lawyer in Istanbul, suggesting that discussions over the contractual and legal details of a possible deal are under way.

Salah, widely regarded as one of the Premier League’s greatest players, had been strongly linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, with reports claiming he received major offers from clubs in the Saudi Pro League over the past two years.

Many had expected Saudi Arabia to be his next destination after his successful nine-year run with Liverpool, where he established himself as a club legend.

However, Salah’s future remains undecided, with his agent Ramy Abbas saying: “We still don’t know where Salah will play next season, but we may find out very soon.”