Egypt star Mohamed Salah snubbed Al Ittihad’s bumper offer to join Trabzonspor

Egypt international Mohammed Salah snubbed a bigger offer from Saudi giants Al Ittihad to sign for Turkish outfit Trabzonspor in the current transfer window.

As per reports, Trabzonspor faced strong competition from several clubs with significant financial power, including teams from the Saudi Pro League and Major League Soccer, all eager to secure the services of one of football’s biggest global names.

Al-Ittihad were among the first clubs to make a huge financial proposal for Salah, submitting an offer worth €25 million annually to convince the Egyptian forward to move to the Gulf.

However, despite the massive financial package on the table, Salah ultimately agreed terms with Trabzonspor on a reported annual salary of €17 million.

The Turkish club’s offer was significantly lower than Al-Ittihad’s proposal, with the Saudi side reportedly willing to pay around €8 million more per year in wages.

Al-Ittihad’s package is also said to have included additional performance-related bonuses and success incentives that could have increased the overall value of the deal even further.

Despite the financial difference, Salah reportedly chose Trabzonspor because of sporting ambitions, his desire to remain connected to European football and the passion surrounding the game in Turkey.

The Egyptian international is believed to have been attracted by the atmosphere and football culture in the country, where supporters are known for their intense passion and loyalty towards their clubs.

Trabzonspor president Dogan also highlighted the reasons behind Salah’s decision, insisting that money was not the main factor in convincing the player to join the club.

“You can’t convince a player like Salah to move to Trabzonspor just for money. Yesterday he showed us a contract worth four times the amount we offered, as he aims to experience this love and enthusiasm,” Dogan said.

The comments underline Trabzonspor’s belief that Salah was motivated by more than just financial considerations and wanted a new challenge where he could enjoy the football environment and the support of passionate fans.

The value of the competing offers was reportedly influenced by Salah’s enormous commercial appeal, including expected revenue from shirt sales, sponsorship opportunities and performance bonuses linked to his impact on the pitch.

As one of the most recognizable footballers in the world, Salah remains a major marketing asset, and clubs interested in signing him were prepared to make substantial investments to secure his signature.

For Trabzonspor, securing a player of Salah’s profile would represent one of the biggest achievements in the club’s history and a major statement of ambition.

The Egyptian forward has enjoyed a remarkable career at the highest level, particularly during his time in the Premier League, where he established himself as one of the world’s leading attackers through his goals, consistency and record-breaking performances.

While the financial figures surrounding his move continue to attract attention, the reports suggest Salah’s final choice was driven by his desire for a competitive football environment, a new challenge in Europe and the opportunity to experience the unique passion of Turkish football.

The decision has further increased excitement among Trabzonspor supporters, who are eagerly awaiting the arrival of a player considered among the greatest African footballers of his generation.