Mohamed Salah Nears Besiktas Move Following Liverpool Exit
Egyptian legend Mohamed Salah is reportedly on the verge of signing for Turkish giants Besiktas as a free agent. The 34-year-old former Liverpool star has agreed personal terms on a one-year deal, with an option for a second, worth €12 million annually. This high-profile move comes after Salah's departure from Anfield on July 1, 2026, and is set to.
Football world is abuzz as Egyptian superstar Mohamed Salah appears set to embark on a new chapter in his illustrious career, with Turkish Süper Lig club Besiktas reportedly closing in on securing his services. The former Liverpool forward, who became a free agent on July 1, 2026, is understood to have agreed personal terms, making his move to Istanbul an imminent reality. Cape Verde's FIFA World Cup 2026 Sensation Vozinha Signs with Chile Club Colo-Colo.
According to prominent Italian journalist Nicolo Schira, Besiktas and Salah have reached an agreement in principle on a one-year contract, which includes an option for a further season, potentially keeping the 'Egyptian King' in Turkiye until the summer of 2028. The proposed deal is said to be worth a substantial €12 million per year. This development follows weeks of speculation, with Salah's agent, Ramy Abbas Issa, teasing an announcement on social media.
The Turkish Temptation
Besiktas's head coach, Vincenzo Italiano, is reportedly a key figure in convincing the 34-year-old winger to choose the Istanbul-based club over other suitors. Salah's preference to remain in European football reportedly tipped the scales towards Besiktas, despite significant interest from clubs in the Saudi Pro League and Major League Soccer. The Turkish club is building an ambitious squad, having already secured transfers for Leandro Trossard from Arsenal and Alexander Nübel from Bayern Munich this summer, with reports also linking them to Darwin Nunez.
Besiktas are competing in the UEFA Europa League qualification this season. Their second qualifying round tie began with a first-leg match on July 23, 2026, and continues with the second leg on July 30, 2026, against FC Midtjylland. The addition of a global superstar like Salah is expected to significantly bolster their chances of success both domestically and on the European stage, and to transform expectations in Istanbul.
End of an Anfield Era
Salah's impending move marks the end of an incredible nine-year spell at Liverpool, where he departed as one of the club's greatest ever players. Born on June 15, 1992, Salah is currently 34 years old. Liverpool announced in March 2026 that Salah would leave Anfield at the end of the 2025-26 season after reaching a mutual agreement to terminate the final year of his contract, allowing him to leave on a free transfer. Amazon Founder Jeff Bezos Reportedly In Talks To Buy 30 Percent Stake in Liverpool FC Via Amit Bhatia Consortium.
During his time at Anfield, Salah became Liverpool's third-highest goalscorer of all time, helping the Reds secure two Premier League titles and a UEFA Champions League trophy, among other honours. His final season with Liverpool in 2025-26 saw him net 12 goals and provide 10 assists in 41 appearances across all competitions. He also featured for the Egypt national team in the recently concluded FIFA World Cup, where they reached the Round of 16 for the first time in their history.
Besiktas officials are reportedly putting the final touches on the paperwork, with an official announcement anticipated in the coming days. The signing of Mohamed Salah is poised to be one of the most significant transfers in Turkish football history, promising an exciting new chapter for both the player and the club.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 25, 2026 07:00 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
