Mohamed Salah receives huge Trabzonspor welcome as Hafid Derradji praises his worldwide appeal

Mohamed Salah was given a huge reception by Trabzonspor supporters after arriving in the Turkish city of Trabzon, with Algerian commentator Hafid Derradji praising the Egyptian forward’s status as one of football’s leading global figures.

Large numbers of fans gathered at the airport and in surrounding streets to welcome Salah, whose arrival has been described by the Turkish press as the “bombshell of the year” ahead of his expected move to Trabzonspor.

Derradji, one of the most prominent Arabic-language voices in football broadcasting, responded to footage of the scenes on his official X account.

He wrote: “A huge reception for the Egyptian star Mohamed Salah from the supporters of Turkish club Trabzonspor, in a scene that reflects the great standing enjoyed by one of the biggest stars in world football, and the love held for him by fans of the game inside and outside Turkey.”

The commentator’s post came as images of Salah’s arrival generated widespread reaction online. The Egypt captain was greeted by crowds of Trabzonspor fans, who assembled to welcome a signing that has attracted considerable attention in Turkey.

The scale of the reception underlined the level of interest surrounding Salah’s move to the Turkish Super Lig. It also showed the affection he commands among supporters beyond the club he previously represented, Liverpool, with his popularity now reaching a new audience in Turkish football.

Derradji’s comments were viewed as highlighting the Arab and international significance of the transfer. His standing as a leading Arabic football commentator added another dimension to the reaction, while his description of the welcome reflected the worldwide profile Salah has built during his career.

Thousands of followers engaged with Derradji’s post, with many saying his words accurately captured the scenes in Trabzon. The response also prompted supporters to describe Salah as more than simply a footballer, calling him a “global icon” whose influence brings together fans of the sport around the world.

The crowd gathered at the airport and along nearby streets as Salah arrived in Turkey, creating striking scenes before his anticipated integration into the Trabzonspor squad. The reception reflected the expectations around the move and the excitement among supporters at the prospect of seeing one of the world’s best-known players in the club’s colours.

For Derradji and those reacting to his message, the welcome was evidence of Salah’s enduring appeal. His popularity has extended well beyond Egypt and Liverpool, and the reaction from Trabzonspor fans demonstrated the reach of his reputation as he prepares for the next stage of his career in Turkey.