«We’re all waiting for the announcement», shares Taha, a Besiktas supporter perched on the stadium steps overlooking the Bosphorus. His eyes remain glued to his phone, tracking every update about Mohamed Salah (34), now a free agent and reportedly on the verge of signing with the Istanbul-based club. Local reports suggest a one-year contract with an option for renewal, valued at €12 million plus performance bonuses.

A transfer that could redefine Besiktas and Turkish football

Eren Tutel, Besiktas specialist and journalist for BirGün, emphasizes the magnitude of this potential signing. «This could easily be the biggest transfer in both the club’s history and the Turkish league», he states. «No other player combines such elite sporting ability, global recognition, and commercial appeal». The Egyptian forward arrives on the back of an illustrious career including three Premier League titles with Chelsea (2015) and Liverpool (2020, 2025), alongside a Champions League triumph in 2019.

Fan reactions reflect the historic potential

For Sahit, another supporter outside the stadium, Salah’s prospective arrival surpasses even the impact of club legend Quaresma, who made 154 appearances between 2015 and 2019. Caner Isbegendiren of Fanatik notes, «Salah isn’t just a player—he’s a global icon, almost an ambassador for Egypt». His popularity at home and worldwide could elevate Besiktas’ profile significantly.

Besiktas in desperate need of a lift

Besiktas, whose emblem is an eagle, has struggled in recent years. Since their 2021 title triumph, the club has fallen behind rivals Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe, and Trabzonspor, finishing fourth last season. The mood among fans has darkened, but Salah’s potential arrival could spark a resurgence.

To bolster their squad, Besiktas has already secured winger Leandro Trossard from Arsenal for €18 million. The Belgian (31), fresh from an English Premier League title, was unveiled to 20,000 cheering fans—many chanting Salah’s name. Tutel adds, «Besiktas must build a balanced team around him; that’s what’s been missing in recent years».

Ali, a 32-year-old fan in the stadium’s merchandise shop, shares his excitement. «I came to check out the new season jerseys, but I’ll wait to buy Salah’s». If the deal is finalized, demand for his jersey at the club store and at airports will skyrocket.