Besiktas manager Vincenzo Italiano spearheads move for Egypt star Mohammed Salah

Turkish giants Besiktas are reportedly making a determined push to lure Egyptian superstar Mohammed Salah ahead of the new campaign.

The Istanbul-based club are poised to capture the signature of the highly-profiled attacker, with newly appointed head coach Vincenzo Italiano playing a key role in the negotiations.

According to reports, Italiano has taken a personal interest in the deal and is actively encouraging Salah to accept Besiktas’ proposal. The former Fiorentina and Bologna manager is believed to view the Egyptian as a marquee signing capable of transforming the club’s fortunes ahead of the new season.

Besiktas have tabled an attractive offer for the 33-year-old, proposing a one-year contract worth €12 million, with an option to extend the agreement by an additional season if both parties are satisfied with the collaboration.

The proposed package underlines Besiktas’ ambition to add world-class quality and experience to their squad as they prepare to challenge for domestic honours and strengthen their standing in European competitions.

Salah remains one of African football’s greatest exports, having enjoyed an extraordinary career at the highest level. During his time at Liverpool, he established himself as one of the Premier League’s most prolific forwards, winning multiple major honours, including the UEFA Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup.

The Egyptian captain also collected numerous individual accolades, including multiple Premier League Golden Boots, while cementing his legacy as Liverpool’s leading goalscorer in the Premier League era.

A move to Besiktas would mark a significant change for Salah after years of competing in England’s top flight. The Turkish club are eager to capitalise on his experience, leadership, and proven goalscoring ability as they seek to build a squad capable of competing with domestic rivals Galatasaray and Fenerbahce.

While negotiations are ongoing, no final agreement has yet been reached. However, Italiano’s direct involvement is seen as a positive sign for Besiktas, with the club hopeful that the project they have presented will convince Salah to continue his career in Istanbul.

Should the transfer materialise, it would rank among the biggest signings in the history of the Turkish Super Lig and further enhance the league’s growing reputation for attracting globally recognised football stars. Salah’s arrival would not only provide Besiktas with a major boost on the pitch but would also significantly increase the club’s commercial appeal and global profile.

The coming days are expected to be decisive as talks continue between the parties, with Besiktas optimistic that they can secure the signature of one of Africa’s most decorated footballers.