Mohamed Salah in action for Egypt during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers

With a potential move to Besiktas Istanbul on the horizon, Mohamed Salah is poised to become the most transformative signing in Turkish football history. According to local reports, a one-year renewable contract worth €12 million with performance bonuses has been agreed upon, pending finalization.

«We’re waiting for the official announcement,» exclaims Taha, a Besiktas supporter sitting on the stadium steps overlooking the Bosphorus this Saturday evening. His phone refreshes constantly, tracking every update about the Egyptian forward, who became a free agent this summer.

Why Salah’s arrival would be historic

Football analysts and club insiders agree this transfer would eclipse all previous arrivals in Turkish football. «This could be the biggest signing in Besiktas history—and potentially the entire Süper Lig,» notes Eren Tutel, a specialist covering the Black Eagles for BirGün Daily. «No other player combines this level of proven quality, global fame, and commercial appeal.»

Salah’s credentials speak for themselves: three-time Premier League champion (2015 with Chelsea, 2020 and 2025 with Liverpool), Champions League winner in 2019, and Egypt’s most decorated international player. «He’s not just a player—he’s an ambassador for his country,» adds Caner Isbegendiren of Fanatik, who emphasizes the deal remains under negotiation.

Besiktas in crisis and Salah as the savior

Besiktas has struggled since their 2021 league title, falling behind rivals Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe, and Trabzonspor to finish fourth last season. The club’s morale is at an all-time low, but Salah’s arrival could reignite hope. «The team needs to build around him to regain competitiveness,» Tutel explains. «His presence alone could attract other world-class talents.»

The potential impact extends beyond the pitch. Fans like Sahit believe Salah’s arrival would surpass even past legends like Quaresma (154 matches for Besiktas) and Victor Osimhen’s move to Galatasaray in 2024. «His trophy cabinet is unmatched,» Sahit argues, pointing to Salah’s individual accolades and Egypt’s footballing prestige.

Next steps and fan frenzy

Besiktas has already made a statement signing, bringing in Arsenal’s Leandro Trossard for €18 million last week. The Belgian winger, a recent English champion, was greeted by 20,000 chanting fans who immediately called for Salah’s name. «If Salah joins, the club can finally build a balanced squad,» Tutel insists.

The anticipation is palpable. Ali, a 32-year-old supporter in a black-and-white scarf, heads to the club store beneath the stadium. «I came to check out the new kits, but I’ll wait to buy Salah’s jersey if he signs,» he says. Should the deal finalize, both the club store and Istanbul Airport will be flooded with fans eager to welcome the Egyptian star.

While the agent has yet to confirm the move, the buzz is undeniable. For Besiktas, Salah isn’t just a transfer—he’s a lifeline to restore glory and ambition to a club in desperate need of a miracle.