Mohamed Salah has taken an active role in negotiations with Besiktas, meeting directly with head coach Vincenzo Italiano to assess the club's project ahead of a potential summer move. The Egypt captain pressed the Italian tactician on several crucial matters, seeking clarity on the squad composition, transfer targets, and the club's continental ambitions.
What Salah Demanded to Know
During their meeting, the 34-year-old winger posed pointed questions about his potential teammates and playing style. According to reports, Salah wanted precise answers on a fundamental issue: "Who will be in the team, who will I play with?" This line of inquiry reveals how seriously the veteran forward is weighing Besiktas's project. Rather than simply entertaining the Turkish club's interest, Salah is conducting due diligence on whether the squad calibre matches his winning ambitions.
The Liverpool legend is particularly focused on three areas. First, the quality of existing players and planned summer signings. Second, Besiktas's preferred tactical system and style of play. Third, the club's realistic targets in European competition—whether that means challenging for the Super Lig title or making a credible UEFA Champions League run. Salah has won everything domestically in England and understands that any new venture must offer genuine competitive prospects.
Besiktas's Acceleration Strategy
Besiktas is pushing hard to accelerate talks and convince Salah that joining the Istanbul powerhouse represents an upgrade on his current situation. The club's management believes that assembling a strong, competitive squad around the Egyptian star could deliver both domestic silverware and continental success. With Salah watching every move in the transfer market closely, Besiktas knows that words alone will not be enough—they must deliver concrete squad improvements.
The ongoing dialogue between both parties signals genuine progress. Salah's willingness to engage in detailed conversations with Italiano demonstrates real interest rather than mere courtesy. As the summer transfer window develops, how quickly Besiktas can strengthen their roster may ultimately determine whether they can land one of football's most prolific attacking talents.
