Mohamed Salah is due to arrive at Istanbul airport on Wednesday as he continues talks over a move to Trabzonspor, the Turkish club announced on Tuesday. A statement confirmed that contract negotiations had begun with the 34-year-old, who is available as a free agent, and that he was scheduled to arrive in the city of Trabzon on Wednesday evening.

"The time and other details regarding the welcome program in Trabzon will be shared with the public through our club's official communication channels during the day," the statement added.

A Deal Close to Completion

According to Reuters, Trabzonspor Chairman Ertugrul Dogan confirmed that while the transfer was not yet finalised, Salah was expected to arrive in Istanbul for medical checks on Wednesday before signing for the Super Lig side. Speaking to broadcaster A Spor shortly after the club's statement, Dogan said the contract would likely be signed on Thursday.

Trabzonspor, who finished third in the Super Lig last season, further teased the Egyptian's potential arrival by posting a video of Egyptian pyramids on social media. The squad already boasts the likes of Andre Onana, Stefan Savic, Paul Onuachu and Ruslan Malinovskyi.

End of an Anfield Era

Salah left Liverpool this summer, bringing an end to a nine-year spell at the Merseyside club where he won two Premier League titles and the Champions League. He departs as third on the club's all-time leading scorer list with 257 goals in 442 appearances, behind only Ian Rush (346 goals) and Roger Hunt (285).

In April 2025, Salah ended lengthy speculation about his future at Liverpool by signing a new two-year deal worth more than £400,000 ($534,000) per week plus bonuses. However, that contract was ended a year early to facilitate his Anfield exit.

A Season of Two Halves

The 2024-25 campaign was one of the finest of Salah's career: he was the Premier League's top scorer and creator, netting 29 times and providing 18 assists as Liverpool won the title in Arne Slot's debut season in charge. The following season, however, saw a sharp downturn in both Salah's and Liverpool's fortunes. The forward managed only seven goals in 27 Premier League appearances, and there was also a widely reported breakdown in the relationship between player and manager.

Before his Liverpool exit, Salah had attracted significant interest from Al Ittihad in the summer of 2023, but it was made clear to the Saudi Pro League side that he was not for sale at the time.

World Cup Heartbreak with Egypt

Salah helped Egypt reach the World Cup round of 16 this summer before his side were beaten 3-2 by Argentina in controversial circumstances. The Egyptian FA later voiced its "serious concerns" over the officiating in the match, complaining about decisions to rule out a second goal while 1-0 ahead, and that they were not awarded a stoppage-time penalty moments before Enzo Fernandez scored Argentina's winner.