How Trabzonspor shocked Turkish rivals to make Mohamed Salah their Black Sea saviour
Mohamed Salah has joined Turkish club Trabzonspor, marking a significant departure from the traditional dominance of Istanbul's 'Big Three' clubs. The transfer is viewed as a major cultural and economic boost for the city of Trabzon.
Why it matters
This transfer challenges the established power structure of Turkish football and highlights the role of sports in regional economic development.
Mohamed Salah applauds the Trabzonspor fans at his unveiling. Mohamed Salah applauds the Trabzonspor fans at his unveiling. Mohamed Salah How Trabzonspor shocked Turkish rivals to make Mohamed Salah their Black Sea saviour Never before has a big name rejected Istanbul for Trabzon, but former Liverpool striker was offered more than riches
Prefer the Guardian on Google I t began with a text sent during the World Cup. Ertugrul Dogan, the president of Trabzonspor, was watching Egypt when he picked up his phone and messaged his manager, Fatih Tekke. “Coach,” it read. “Do you want Mohamed Salah ?”
Tekke’s response was immediate enthusiasm, though Trabzonspor’s initial push for Salah went under the radar with Besiktas looking most likely to land the former Liverpool striker. In Turkish football, Istanbul’s Big Three – Galatasaray, Fenerbahce and Besiktas – have long held monopoly on the Super Lig’s marquee signings.
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