Trabzonspor manager plays down Mohamed Salah transfer speculation

Trabzonspor manager Fatih Tekke says it is “very important” for the Turkish club to be linked with a player of Mohamed Salah’s reputation, but insists there is no official agreement over a possible move for the former Liverpool forward.

Reports have claimed Trabzonspor have made a financial offer to sign Salah as a free agent. French website Foot Mercato has also reported that the club are close to reaching an agreement with the Egypt captain.

However, Tekke urged caution when asked about the situation by Turkish broadcaster HT Spor.

“There is nothing official regarding Salah at the moment,” he said.

“It is very important for a name like Salah to be associated with Trabzonspor.”

He added: “But instead of creating expectations with words, we are trying to build trust through hard work.”

“At the moment, there is nothing to say on this matter,” Tekke concluded.

According to Turkish website Ajansspor, Trabzonspor have offered Salah a two-year contract. The reported proposal would pay him 17m euros per season, along with a further 5m euros in potential bonuses.

The report also says Salah would receive 20% of shirt sales.

Trabzonspor’s interest comes after fellow Turkish club Besiktas withdrew from negotiations with Salah, reportedly because of the financial demands made by his agent, Ramy Abbas.

There has also previously been a reported offer from Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad for the Egypt captain.

Trabzonspor president Ertugrul Dogan has also refused to confirm whether the club have been in contact with Salah.

“Who would not want to sign a player like Mohamed Salah? I want that too, but there is no agreement at this stage,” Dogan told Turkish channel A Spor.

“I do not want to talk about whether we have contacted Mohamed Salah or not. As president of the club, I must protect Trabzonspor’s interests, so we need to choose our words carefully.”

He added: “If there is any new development regarding transfers, we will inform our supporters and the public immediately.”

Salah left Liverpool at the end of last season after spending nine years with the club. During his time at Anfield, he became one of the most prolific players in the club’s history, although the source report does not provide further details about his Liverpool record.

Trabzonspor have previously had Egypt international Mahmoud Hassan “Trezeguet” and former Turkey international Ayman Abdelaziz in their squad.

The club will compete in the Europa League next season, beginning in the qualifying play-off round for the main phase of the competition.

Trabzonspor finished third in the Turkish league last season.

Salah also returned from the World Cup with Egypt after their last-16 defeat by Argentina.