Mohamed Salah appears increasingly likely to join Besiktas after leaving Liverpool this summer, with Turkish media reporting that negotiations have reached their final stages. The Egyptian winger's potential move to the Super Lig has captured the imagination of Turkish fans, with one watermelon vendor even pledging to distribute half a tonne of fruit if the deal comes off—a show of enthusiasm that underscores how significant this transfer would be for the club and city.
Deal Framework Takes Shape
According to NTVSpor, Besiktas management led by club chief Serdal Adali have already reached a fundamental agreement with the 32-year-old Egyptian. The remaining obstacle centres on agent commission terms between the club and Ramy Abbas, Salah's representative. Abbas initially demanded a 35% commission—an aggressive ask that reflected his client's elite market status—but has since shown flexibility in negotiations. This gradual shift suggests movement toward a resolution.
The Super Lig side has pursued these discussions with strategic discretion rather than public fanfare, a tactical approach that often precedes major signings. Turkish network sources indicate an official announcement could arrive imminently once final contractual details are settled between the club's hierarchy and Abbas's team. For Salah, a switch to Istanbul would represent a significant chapter after nearly a decade in English football, where he established himself as one of the world's elite attacking talents across his spell at Liverpool.
Turkish Football's Global Appeal
A move to Turkish football would add another marquee name to a league increasingly attracting established international stars. The cultural significance extends beyond sport; local merchant enthusiasm like the watermelon vendor's gesture reflects how overseas signings of Salah's calibre resonate across Turkish communities. The deal's completion would represent a major coup for Besiktas as they aim to challenge for the Super Lig title and strengthen their European competition credentials.
With agent negotiations now focusing on final percentages rather than fundamental agreement, expect movement on this transfer within days rather than weeks.
