Speculation is growing about the fate of Egyptian star Mohamed Salah after his departure from Liverpool, with his name linked to several clubs, most notably those in the Turkish league.
According to Turkish media reports earlier, the player was close to joining Besiktas before negotiations were suspended, and Trabzonspor has now entered the picture.
Trabzonspor is close to securing the player's signature, with Turkish press reports indicating that an agreement between the two sides is nearing completion.
The Turkish league is no stranger to Egyptian players, as many have previously played there, most notably Ahmed Hassan, Abdel Zaher El-Saqqa, and Ayman Abdel Aziz.
Yalla Koura interviews Abdel Zaher El-Saqqa
Yalla Koura contacted Abdel Zaher El-Saqqa, former Egypt national team player and one of the Egyptians who previously played in the Turkish league, as he is the Egyptian with the most appearances in Turkey.
El-Saqqa confirmed that Mohamed Salah would add a great deal to the Turkish league and would build a strong relationship with fans there, noting that his football career could extend significantly in Turkey.
Salah and the Turkish League
Abdel Zaher El-Saqqa opened his remarks by discussing Salah's move to the Turkish league, saying: "Salah is a great value and will add significantly to the Turkish league. We are used to the Turkish league targeting very big players; there are many legends who have joined them."
He added: "I believe it will be beneficial for both sides. The Turks love this type of deal, and club presidents are businessmen with large fan bases who like to use a name like Salah as an important brand that represents great marketing value for them."
Besiktas or Trabzonspor?
He continued his remarks, saying: "Besiktas and Trabzonspor are both big clubs, but in terms of ranking, Besiktas comes first, followed by Trabzonspor. Egyptian players have played for both teams, including Ahmed Hassan, Ayman Abdel Aziz, and others. I was close to joining Trabzonspor at one point but did not move there due to some family circumstances."
The Difficulty of the Turkish League
The former Egypt international continued, pointing out what Salah would face in Turkey, saying: "Salah will face some difficulty if he moves to the Turkish league, most notably that the league there relies heavily on physical readiness, and sometimes there is a shortage in the number of foreign players at clubs."
He added: "But that was before the door was opened to receive many professional players like in European leagues. The Turkish Football Federation's strategy has changed significantly. Salah still has the imprint and performance that would allow him to build on what Egyptian professionals have done there previously. The Turkish league knows a lot about Egyptian players, and our presence there has helped other Egyptian players join, but few have stayed long-term."
He continued: "Salah will live a longer period in Turkey, and his football life will extend for years. Fans there are very emotional and will connect with Salah on an emotional level even more, especially if he scores and prostrates in prayer—they love such things because they share many customs and traditions with us, so that will greatly contribute to his success."
Turkish Fans' Culture
El-Saqqa described Turkish fans as passionate, saying: "Fans in Turkey love football and are extremely fanatical. Every team has its own supporters. Every city has large crowds; there are no corporate clubs there."
He added: "One of the characteristics of Turks is extreme passion, so this will be important for Salah. Their reaction could be very strong love or the complete opposite, but people there love football in an extraordinary way."
Financial Conditions in Turkey
He also pointed out the most prominent points being discussed regarding the financial difficulties some Turkish clubs face, saying: "There were some problems from certain Turkish clubs toward some players. Some players did not receive their financial dues, and this happened to me personally. But as long as the contracts are registered with the football federation, it will be responsible for those dues if the club does not pay them."
He continued: "But with Salah's level, value, and fame, he will ensure he receives his salary normally. Certainly, Salah has many safeguards, and there is a strategy in contracts, with the player's agent playing a very influential role in this matter. When I joined the Turkish league, I did not know anything about contracts, but Salah's level helps him write a professional contract."
He concluded: "The matter is fundamentally about marketing value, and this was clearly evident in Cristiano Ronaldo's experience moving to Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia. I believe the Roshn League did not benefit technically from the player, but the benefit outside of football is much higher than on the pitch. Also, Salah will study all the details that will help him make the decision, including family matters."
