Turkish minister says Mohamed Salah was wanted by Besiktas

Turkish Family and Social Services Minister Mahinur Ozdemir Goktas says she had hoped Mohamed Salah would join Besiktas rather than Trabzonspor, but welcomed the former Liverpool forward’s move to Turkey.

Salah signed a two-year contract with Trabzonspor on a free transfer after appearing close to joining Besiktas. The move was completed on Thursday morning, according to the Turkish club.

Speaking to Turkish website 61saat, Goktas was asked whether she was disappointed that Salah had not moved to Besiktas.

“Were you sad that Salah did not move to Besiktas? A week ago, we were already talking about it, and they said Trabzonspor were close to signing him,” she said.

She then said Salah’s arrival in Turkey was the most important point, regardless of which club he joined.

“But at least he came to Turkey and will raise our flag, and that is what we think about. Trabzonspor is our club, and Besiktas is also our club. We hope the best outcome for us,” Goktas added.

“The Turkish people love Salah very much. We had hoped he would wear the Besiktas shirt, but he is now wearing the Trabzonspor shirt, and we wish him success. God willing, the best will win,” she said.

Salah’s move to Trabzonspor came after nine seasons with Liverpool. During his time with the club, he made 315 appearances, scored 257 goals and provided 120 assists.

The financial terms of the deal, released by Trabzonspor, state that Salah will earn an annual salary of 10m euros. He will also receive a 7m-euro signing-on bonus, taking the guaranteed value of the agreement to 17m euros.

The contract includes further financial incentives linked to the player’s performances during the two-year period.

Trabzonspor also said Salah would receive 20% of the revenue from official merchandise released in his name. The details published by the club also state that his agent’s commission will be 5%.

Salah had been widely linked with a move to Besiktas before Trabzonspor confirmed the signing. Goktas, however, said the player’s decision to move to Turkey was a positive development for the country, despite her preference for him to represent Besiktas.

Her comments reflect the enthusiasm surrounding Salah’s arrival, with the minister describing both Trabzonspor and Besiktas as clubs belonging to the Turkish public. She ended by repeating her support for Salah and expressing the hope that the best outcome would follow.