«We’re waiting for the announcement,» exclaims Taha, a Besiktas supporter seated on the stadium steps, eyes glued to his phone. The Egyptian forward, now 34, is reportedly close to finalizing a one-year deal with an option for renewal, valued at €12 million plus performance bonuses.

«This would easily be the biggest transfer in the club’s history—and perhaps even in Turkish football,» states Eren Tutel, a Besiktas expert and journalist. «No other signing combines such elite sporting talent, global recognition, and commercial appeal.»

Besiktas in crisis: Salah’s arrival could spark a turnaround

Since winning the league in 2021, Besiktas has struggled to keep pace with rivals Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe, and Trabzonspor, finishing fourth last season. The club’s morale is at a low, but Salah’s potential arrival could revitalize the team’s fortunes.

Besiktas has already made a statement by signing Belgian winger Leandro Trossard from Arsenal for €18 million. The 31-year-old, a recent English Premier League champion, was greeted by 20,000 fans chanting Salah’s name. «Besiktas needs to build a balanced team around him,» notes Tutel. «That’s what’s been missing in recent years.»

Supporters like Sahit, who’s been following Besiktas for years, believe Salah’s impact would surpass even legendary players like Quaresma (154 matches between 2015–2019) or Osimhen’s stint at Galatasaray (2024). «He brings a bigger trophy haul,» Sahit argues. «Three Premier League titles (2015 with Chelsea, 2020 and 2025 with Liverpool) and a Champions League win in 2019—plus he’s Egypt’s most beloved sports figure, a true national ambassador.»

Ali, a 32-year-old fan browsing the club store beneath the stadium, says he’ll wait for Salah’s jersey: «I’m here for the new season kit, but I’ll hold off—his shirt is coming.» If the deal is confirmed, expect a frenzy at the airport and the club’s shop.