Mohamed Salah welcomes baby boy named Layl as Trabzonspor face selection dilemma

Mohamed Salah has become a father for the third time, with the Trabzonspor forward travelling from Turkey to England to be with his wife for the birth of their son.

The child has been named Layl, according to Salah’s sister Rabab Salah, who confirmed the news on Facebook. The name prompted surprise among some Egyptians, judging by reactions posted across social media platforms.

Trabzonspor president Ertugrul Dogan also announced the birth while speaking to Turkish club news network 61saat early on Thursday.

“After the Amed match, we travelled abroad together with Onana and Salah. Both had children – Onana had twins and Salah had a baby boy. I congratulate their families and wives,” Dogan said.

His original post read:

“#SONDAKIKAErtugrul Dogan: “Amed macından sonra Onana ve Salah ile beraber gelmistik yurt dısına. Ikisinin de Onana’nın ikizleri oldu, Salah’ın erkek cocugu oldu. Ailesini ve hanımlarını kutluyorum.””

Salah’s son is his third child after his two daughters, Makkah and Kayan.

His absence from Trabzonspor’s next match is now uncertain. The Turkish club are due to face Genclerbirligi on Sunday in the fourth round of the domestic league, but Salah has travelled to England in recent hours following the birth.

The timing creates a potential selection issue for Trabzonspor manager Fatih Tekke, although no decision on Salah’s involvement has been confirmed.

Salah joined Trabzonspor this summer on a free transfer after spending nine years at Liverpool. During his time at Anfield, the Egypt forward won a number of domestic and European honours before bringing his long spell with the club to an end.

His start in Turkey has been less successful. Trabzonspor have taken only four points from their opening three league matches and are 11th in the table.

The club have also missed out on a place in the UEFA Europa League group stage. Trabzonspor were beaten by Hungarian side Ferencvarosi in the qualifying rounds and will instead compete in the UEFA Conference League.

Salah’s move to Trabzonspor marked a significant change after his highly decorated period with Liverpool, but his immediate focus has been on his growing family. The birth of Layl comes shortly before Trabzonspor’s next league fixture, leaving the club waiting to discover whether their new forward will be available for Sunday’s game.