The race to sign the Egyptian football star Mohamed Salah has taken a twist following his emotional departure from Liverpool at the end of the 2025–26 season. While links pointed toward a massive payday in the Saudi Pro League or Major League Soccer (MLS), Turkish giants Besiktas have suddenly vaulted to the front of the queue. The club has reportedly made a concrete move to secure one of the modern era’s greatest goalscorers, completely reshaping his summer transfer saga.
Besiktas’s opening bid For Mohamed Salah?
Renowned Turkish sports journalist Yagız Sabuncuoglu reported that Besiktas has officially submitted their opening proposal to sign Mohamed Salah. According to Sabuncuoglu’s updates, initial talks progressed so rapidly that Salah willingly chose to lower his massive €15 million annual wage expectations to help push the move forward.
Proving that negotiations have reached an advanced stage, Salah’s lawyer has already landed in Istanbul. This sudden arrival indicates that the club hierarchy and the player’s representatives are actively reviewing contract structures. This update aligns with a cryptic social media post from Salah’s agent, Ramy Abbas Issa, who teased on Friday: “We still do not know where Mohamed will play next season but we may know very soon.”
Will Chelsea hijack the deal for a sensational return?
Despite the serious momentum building in Istanbul, European suitors have not entirely thrown in the towel. Shock reports from Egyptian media outlets claim that if Salah decides to remain in England, his former club Chelsea is his absolute “first choice” destination.
Journalists note that the romantic pull of returning to Stamford Bridge is the only factor that could realistically convince the legendary winger to stay in the Premier League. While Chelsea remains a dream fallback option, the Blues have yet to present a formal package that rivals the direct, accelerated efforts being made by the Turkish club.
Where does Mohamed Salah currently stand?
Salah is taking his time to map out his next step after wrapping up an unforgettable, nine-year legacy at Anfield where he racked up a staggering 255 goals in 435 appearances. Most recently, Salah was in action on the international stage, leading the Egypt national team at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Egypt’s tournament run unfortunately ended in a heartbreaking 3-2 Round of 16 defeat against Lionel Messi’s Argentina. Now that his international duties are wrapped up, Salah has shifted focus to his club future.Â
