How Trabzonspor convinced Mohamed Salah to move to Turkey

The Trabzonspor president explained to BBC Sport Africa how he convinced Mohamed Salah to join the Turkish club, highlighting the passion of fans beyond the annual €17 million salary.

By El Medio Oriente
August 30, 2026
A smiling man wearing a white cap and Trabzonspor shirt raises his arms surrounded by fans and security personnel in the middle of a celebrating crowd.
A player is greeted by hundreds of Trabzonspor fans during his official presentation with the Turkish club, reflecting the supporters' enthusiasm for his arrival. (BBC Sport — Football)
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The man who persuaded Mohamed Salah to move to Turkey explained to BBC Sport Africa how he pulled off the deal. Trabzonspor president Ertugrul Dogan said he used the passion of the fans to sell the club to the Egyptian footballer.

Although the annual salary of €17 million certainly helped, Dogan insisted the signing is not just about money. The president explained how he executed what he described as a coup on the transfer market.

How Trabzonspor convinced Mohamed Salah to Turkey | El Medio Oriente