Mohamed Salah completes Trabzonspor agreement after 10-day talks

Trabzonspor president Ertugrul Dogan says negotiations with Mohamed Salah were conducted in a highly professional and respectful manner, with the two sides reaching a final agreement on Tuesday.

Dogan revealed details of the discussions in comments reported by Turkish broadcaster A Spor, confirming that he had spoken directly to Salah as well as to the player’s agent.

“I held a meeting with Mohamed Salah and also spoke to his agent. It was a highly professional session held in an atmosphere of respect, and we reached an understanding smoothly,” Dogan said.

The Trabzonspor president added that the negotiations had lasted 10 days before being concluded.

“The negotiations continued for 10 days and we reached a final agreement yesterday. I congratulate our fans on this signing,” he said.

Salah has arrived in Turkey as he prepares to complete his move to Trabzonspor. The forward wore a Trabzonspor shirt for the first time on the plane shortly after arriving in the country.

He was pictured wearing the number 61 shirt, a number strongly associated with the city of Trabzon. The number appears on vehicle registration plates in the city and has gradually become a symbol of the area.

Trabzonspor had previously described the number 61 shirt as the most symbolic version of its historic kit.

It has not yet been confirmed whether Salah will wear number 61 throughout the season or whether it was used only for his arrival and reception ceremony. If the club changes his shirt number, he is expected to wear number 11, the number with which he has become widely associated.

Salah also addressed Trabzonspor supporters in a message after arriving in Turkey.

“Trabzon, are you ready? I can hear you, and I will see you for the first time,” he said.

The Egypt international is due to undergo a medical examination in Trabzon before signing the contracts that will formally confirm his move to the Turkish club.

Salah is expected to sign a two-year contract with Trabzonspor. Under the reported agreement, he will earn 17m euros per season, in addition to other clauses and bonuses.

The final formalities, including the medical and the signing of the contract, remain to be completed. However, Dogan’s comments and Salah’s arrival in Turkey mark the latest stage of a deal that has been negotiated over the past 10 days.

Trabzonspor have presented the move as a major signing for their supporters, with the club’s choice of the number 61 shirt adding a local significance to Salah’s first public appearance in its colours.