Turkish media: Free agent Mohamed Salah, 34, close to joining Besiktas

Istanbul — Excitement is building among Besiktas supporters as reports suggest Egyptian superstar Mohamed Salah could be joining the Turkish club.

"We're waiting for the announcement," exclaims Taha, a Besiktas fan, sitting on the steps of his club's stadium in Istanbul this Saturday evening. Facing the Bosphorus, the young man points to his phone, where he is scanning news about Salah (34), who is a free agent and close to joining the Turkish side.

According to local media, an agreement has reportedly been reached for a one-year renewable contract worth €12 million, plus bonuses.

'The Biggest Transfer in Club History'

"We can easily say this would be the biggest transfer in the club's history, and even in the Turkish league," emphasizes Eren Tutel, a Besiktas specialist and journalist for the daily BirGün. "I can't think of any other signing that combines such sporting quality, global recognition, and commercial power."

Sahit, another fan encountered outside the stadium, ranks the potential arrival of the Egyptian above that of:

• Ricardo Quaresma — a club legend (154 matches between 2015 and 2019)
• Victor Osimhen at Galatasaray (2024)

— "because he has a bigger trophy cabinet."

A three-time Premier League winner (2015 with Chelsea, 2020 and 2025 with Liverpool) and Champions League champion (2019), Salah would arrive in Turkey with a suitcase full of trophies.

"And besides, he's the most popular figure in his country, a sort of ambassador for Egypt," adds Caner Isbegendiren from the newspaper Fanatik, who is well-versed in the Turkish transfer market but prefers to note that the transfer is still in the negotiation stage.

Club in a Downward Spiral

In Istanbul, anticipation is immense. A video posted online shows a fan just waking up from general anesthesia, immediately asking if Salah has signed.

Since the 2021 title, fan morale has been low because the club has fallen behind its rivals Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe, and Trabzonspor, finishing fourth last season.

To reverse the trend, Besiktas — whose emblem is an eagle — has already sunk its talons into Leandro Trossard, who arrived from Arsenal for €18 million. Last Thursday, the Belgian (31), a recent English champion, was presented to 20,000 fans, and the stands chanted the name of the Egyptian left-footer.

Potential to Attract Other Big Names

His signing could attract other big names, as Eren Tutel analyzes: "Besiktas needs to build a balanced team around him, which has been lacking in recent years."

Ali, 32, with a black and white jersey over his shoulders, heads to the shop under the stadium. "I'm coming to see the new season's jersey, but I'll wait to buy Salah's," he says.

If his signing becomes official, both the store and the airport will be stormed to welcome the Egyptian.