Salah given hero's welcome ahead of Trabzonspor unveiling

Mohamed Salah has been given a star’s welcome in Turkey as Trabzonspor prepare to confirm his signing. Hundreds of fans gathered at Istanbul’s Ataturk Airport on Wednesday, where the 34-year-old emerged wearing Trabzonspor colours and posed for photos before heading to the Black Sea city for his official unveiling.

Salah left Liverpool at the end of last season after nine years at Anfield and 257 goals, and has now agreed a move as a free agent. Reports say he has accepted a two-year deal worth around €17m per season, with a signing bonus and a clause giving him 20% of revenue from merchandise bearing his name, which would make him the highest-paid player in Turkish football history.

The move is a major statement for Trabzonspor. After falling behind Galatasaray and Fenerbahce in recent years, the club sees Salah as a way to reignite interest, boost attendances and increase commercial appeal, especially across the Middle East. He will play European football next season, with Trabzon in the Europa League play-offs or, if they fail there, the Conference League.

A signing ceremony is planned at Papara Park, where fans have been asked to wear the new season’s shirts and “witness history”. For Salah, the transfer marks a new chapter after a decorated spell in England that included two Premier League titles, a Champions League and multiple Golden Boots, and after a World Cup in which Egypt reached the last 16.