«This could easily be the biggest transfer in Besiktas history, and perhaps the entire Turkish league,» says Eren Tutel, a renowned Besiktas expert and journalist. No other signing combines sporting excellence, global recognition, and commercial appeal like this.

Besiktas in crisis and Salah’s arrival could lure more top talents

The anticipation in Istanbul is palpable. A viral video shows a supporter waking from surgery, immediately asking whether Salah has signed. Since their 2021 league title, Besiktas has struggled, finishing fourth last season, well behind rivals Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe, and Trabzonspor.

To reverse their fortunes, Besiktas has already secured midfielder Leandro Trossard from Arsenal for €18 million. The Belgian international, a recent Premier League champion, was presented to 20,000 fans last Thursday, with chants of Salah’s name echoing through the stadium. His arrival could pave the way for more elite signings, Tutel notes: «Besiktas needs to build a balanced team around him, something they’ve lacked in recent years.

Ali, a 32-year-old fan wearing a black-and-white scarf, heads toward the club shop beneath the stadium. «I’m here for the new season’s jersey, but I’ll wait to buy Salah’s,» he says. If the deal is finalized, the club’s merchandise store—and even the airport—are expected to be overwhelmed by fans eager to welcome the Egyptian superstar.

Sahit, another fan outside the stadium, compares Salah’s potential arrival to legends like Quaresma (154 matches between 2015–2019) and Osimhen’s move to Galatasaray in 2024. «Salah arrives with a far more impressive trophy haul,» he says. A three-time Premier League winner (2015 with Chelsea, 2020 and 2025 with Liverpool) and a Champions League title (2019), Salah brings unmatched pedigree. «He’s also Egypt’s most beloved figure—a national icon who could serve as a global ambassador for the club.