Ertugrul Dogan: Mohamed Salah can inspire Trabzonspor’s young players

Trabzonspor president Ertugrul Dogan has described Mohamed Salah as “the greatest Muslim player in the world” and explained how the Turkish club convinced the Egypt captain to join on a free transfer after his contract with Liverpool ended.

Salah completed his move to Trabzonspor several weeks ago, signing a two-year contract in one of the summer transfer window’s most high-profile deals. The Turkish side hope the former Liverpool forward can help them challenge for both domestic and continental honours.

Speaking to Foot Mercato, Dogan revealed details of the discussions that preceded Salah’s arrival in Turkey. The club president said the 33-year-old asked him directly why he should choose Trabzonspor at that stage of his career.

“Why should I choose Trabzonspor now?” Salah asked, according to Dogan.

The president said he responded by focusing on the relationship between the club and its supporters, rather than simply discussing the sporting or financial aspects of the move.

“You will meet a group of supporters unlike any you have seen before, and you will feel the true love these people have for the club,” Dogan told him.

Salah experienced that welcome soon after landing in Turkey. About 35,000 Trabzonspor fans gathered to greet him, creating a reception Dogan described as exceptional.

The scale of the turnout underlined the excitement surrounding a player who spent the previous stage of his career at Liverpool. Salah became one of the Premier League club’s most influential players after joining from Roma, helping them win major domestic and European trophies and establishing himself as one of the leading forwards in world football.

Dogan said, however, that Trabzonspor’s agreement with Salah was not based solely on what he could contribute on the pitch. The signing forms part of a broader, long-term plan designed to attract promising young players, develop their abilities and allow them to learn from experienced figures within the dressing room.

“Mohamed Salah is the greatest Muslim player in the world, and he is an influential role model,” Dogan said. “We want him to be an example for young players because of his professionalism and his conduct on and off the pitch.”

The president believes Salah’s presence can therefore have an impact beyond his goals, assists and performances. His experience at Liverpool and with the Egypt national team is expected to provide guidance to Trabzonspor’s emerging players while the club seeks to build a stronger squad for the future.

Salah’s arrival has also raised expectations among supporters, who see his signing as a statement of ambition from Trabzonspor. The club will hope his experience and reputation can help deliver success in Turkey and on the continental stage during the two years of his contract.