Besiktas, Fenerbahce and Galatasaray poised to battle for free agent Mohamed Salah
Mohamed Salah’s future is becoming one of the most intriguing stories of the summer, with Turkey’s biggest clubs reportedly preparing to launch aggressive moves to sign the former Liverpool forward. Besiktas, Fenerbahce and Galatasaray are all said to be readying highly lucrative contract proposals in an effort to convince the Egyptian star to continue his career in the Super Lig.
Salah officially became a free agent on 30 June, following the expiry of his deal with Liverpool. Since then, interest in the 34-year-old has surged, with Turkish giants positioning themselves as serious contenders for his signature. Each of the three clubs is understood to be working on financial packages substantial enough to tempt a player who remains one of the most recognisable footballers in the world.
For now, Salah has not committed to any club for next season. Until recently, his attention was fixed on international duty and the FIFA World Cup. With Egypt no longer involved in the tournament, the forward is expected to turn fully to resolving his club situation, with discussions and negotiations likely to intensify in the coming days and weeks.
Turkey has emerged as a credible and increasingly attractive destination. Galatasaray, Fenerbahce and Besiktas are reportedly prepared to stretch their budgets to the limit to present compelling offers. Beyond the financial element, each club would be able to offer Salah a central role in their sporting project, regular European football and the chance to compete for domestic titles in one of Europe’s most passionate football environments.
Securing Salah would be a transformative signing for any of the three Super Lig sides. On the pitch, he would instantly elevate their attacking quality, particularly on the right flank, where his trademark cutting runs inside, clinical finishing and creativity would dramatically improve their offensive threat. Off the pitch, his arrival would send a powerful message about the ambition of Turkish clubs and significantly raise the international profile of the league.
Even at 34, Salah remains a major asset. His physical conditioning, experience at the highest level and consistent end product make him far more than a short-term marketing move. His ability to score, create and lead by example would offer a substantial upgrade for any of the Super Lig contenders, particularly in high-pressure league deciders and European nights.
However, despite the strong push from Turkey, a switch to the Saudi Pro League is still viewed in many quarters as the most probable outcome. Saudi clubs have monitored Salah for years and are in a position to put forward enormous financial packages, both in terms of salary and potential commercial bonuses. The wealth of those clubs gives them a clear advantage in a straight bidding war.
Recent reports, though, indicate that negotiations with Saudi sides have not been entirely straightforward. Salah’s salary expectations and the structure of potential deals are said to be complicating talks, opening the door slightly wider for European clubs such as the Turkish trio to make their case. While Saudi teams can usually outspend most rivals, they still need to find agreements that satisfy both sporting and financial considerations.
Within Turkey, there is a genuine sense of optimism that the project on offer could appeal to Salah on more than just economic grounds. Remaining in Europe would allow him to continue competing in UEFA competitions, maintain a high sporting standard and stay in the global spotlight at club and international level. For a player with his competitive mentality, a new challenge in a football-obsessed country may carry significant weight.
From a tactical perspective, each of the three Turkish giants can offer Salah a clear role. At Galatasaray, he would likely slot in on the right of a front three, cutting inside onto his left foot and operating as the primary goal threat. Fenerbahce could build their attack around his strengths, using him as both a scorer and creator for a central striker. Besiktas, meanwhile, might pitch him as the leader of a rejuvenated project, giving him substantial freedom in the final third and making him the face of the team.
Commercially, the impact would be enormous. Signing a player of Salah’s global stature would increase shirt sales, draw new sponsors and attract international media attention. It would also help Turkish clubs expand their fan bases in North Africa, the Middle East and Asia, regions where Salah is already a hero. For the Super Lig as a whole, his arrival could mark a turning point in how the league is perceived worldwide.
Salah’s legacy at Liverpool adds another layer to the story. During his time at Anfield, he established himself as one of the club’s modern greats. Across 442 appearances, he recorded an extraordinary 257 goals and 123 assists, contributing to a period of sustained success that included a Champions League triumph and multiple league titles. Leaving that environment means his next step will inevitably be compared to his era in England.
That history also shapes expectations. Any club signing Salah will not just be acquiring a famous name; they will be bringing in a player used to competing for the biggest honours, working under intense scrutiny and performing consistently against elite opposition. For the Turkish clubs, this experience could be invaluable in their efforts to go deeper in European competitions, where game management and big-match mentality are decisive.
Financially, the pursuit of Salah represents a major gamble for Besiktas, Fenerbahce and Galatasaray. To match or come close to Saudi offers, they would need to commit to one of the largest contracts in their history, likely incorporating significant signing-on fees and performance-related bonuses. Balancing such an investment with squad depth and long-term planning will be a key concern for their boards.
At the same time, the potential upside is clear. If Salah were to adapt quickly and maintain his high standards, the sporting benefits could translate into domestic titles, Champions League qualification and increased prize money. The commercial boost could also partially offset the massive salary outlay, particularly if the club succeeds in leveraging his image for partnerships and global campaigns.
Another factor in Salah’s decision will be lifestyle and day-to-day environment. Istanbul, home to all three interested clubs, is a cosmopolitan city with a rich football culture and fanbases known for their intensity. Stadium atmospheres for derbies and big matches rank among the most electric in the world. For a player accustomed to high-pressure, emotionally charged stages, that could be a major attraction.
From a career-trajectory point of view, choosing Turkey over Saudi Arabia would keep Salah closer to the traditional European football pyramid. That might matter if he still harbours hopes of competing at the highest level of UEFA tournaments or maintaining his position among the game’s top forwards for as long as possible. Regular exposure to European opposition can be a decisive factor in Ballon d’Or voting, individual awards and global recognition.
There is also the question of sporting challenge. A move to the Saudi Pro League would almost certainly guarantee him one of the most lucrative contracts in football, but the level of competition and intensity is still developing. In contrast, the Super Lig offers a long-established rival structure, historic derbies, pressure from demanding supporters and the constant expectation of winning, especially at clubs of the size of Besiktas, Fenerbahce and Galatasaray.
For the Turkish clubs, timing is critical. They will need to present detailed, convincing projects to Salah and his representatives quickly, outlining not only financial terms but also their sporting vision: how the team will be built around him, what role he would play, and how they intend to compete domestically and in Europe over the next few seasons. Clarity on coaches, squad planning and ambitions could be as influential as the salary figures.
In the end, Salah’s decision will likely hinge on a combination of factors: financial security, quality of competition, personal ambition, family considerations and legacy. With interest arriving from multiple leagues and Saudi Arabia still widely regarded as the frontrunner, the Turkish trio must demonstrate that their proposals can offer a compelling blend of money and meaning.
For now, the race remains open. What is clear is that Besiktas, Fenerbahce and Galatasaray are prepared to push their limits to bring one of Liverpool’s greatest modern icons to Turkey. Whether their determination and vision are enough to divert Salah from what many see as an inevitable move to the Middle East will be one of the defining questions of this transfer window.