Former Besiktas star Atiba Hutchinson hails Mohamed Salah after Trabzonspor switch

Former Besiktas star Atiba Hutchinson has backed Mohamed Salah to make a major impact in the Turkish Super Lig, describing the Egyptian forward’s arrival at Trabzonspor as a huge boost for football in the country.

Salah joined Trabzonspor on a two-year contract after bringing his successful spell with Liverpool to an end at the conclusion of last season.

The 34-year-old is reportedly earning around €17 million per year as part of the deal, making his transfer one of the biggest moves in Turkish football in recent years.

His arrival has generated significant excitement in Turkey, with Salah bringing extensive experience from the Premier League and European football to a Trabzonspor side hoping to challenge among the country’s leading clubs.

Hutchinson, who spent several successful years at Besiktas, believes the presence of players of Salah’s calibre will raise the profile and competitiveness of the Turkish league.

“The level of the clubs is fantastic and I haven’t seen this level for a long time. We are still in the early stages of the season, but the four big clubs in particular look to be in excellent shape, so I expect a very exciting season,” Hutchinson said, as reported by Turkish newspaper Sabah.

“This is certainly good for football in Turkey, as big names come to play in the league, which naturally increases the atmosphere of enthusiasm and excitement.”

The former Canada international also highlighted the quality of several major transfers completed by Turkish clubs, mentioning Leandro Trossard’s move to Besiktas before turning his attention to Salah.

“Trossard will add a lot of quality to Besiktas, given his experience, as he previously played in the English Premier League and came to Turkey after winning the title with Arsenal. But Mohamed Salah is here too, and his presence in Turkey is a great hope, in addition to the fact that he is still able to give and plays at a really high level.”

Salah’s move has placed Trabzonspor under greater international attention, with the Egyptian expected to provide goals, creativity and leadership as the club competes in the Turkish top flight.

The former Liverpool attacker established himself as one of the most prolific forwards in European football during his time at Anfield, winning major domestic and European honours while becoming one of the club’s most influential players.

His decision to continue his career in Turkey has therefore become one of the major talking points surrounding the new Super Lig season.

Salah has also remained in the spotlight during the current international break after leaving the Egypt camp amid reports of tension involving Pharaohs coach Hossam Hassan.

Despite the speculation surrounding his international situation, Hutchinson believes Salah still has plenty to offer on the pitch and expects his presence to add another dimension to the Turkish league.