Mohamed Salah: Inside his move to Trabzonspor
August 21, 2026 19:44
Trabzonspor president Ertugrul Dogan told BBC Sport Africa he persuaded Mohamed Salah to join the Turkish club by emphasising the supporters' passion. Dogan acknowledged the player's reported earnings — €17m a year — but said the decision was not driven solely by money.
The comments came as Dogan outlined how he secured the transfer, presenting the signing as a notable achievement for the club.
KEY CONTEXT
- The remarks were made to BBC Sport Africa and concern Mohamed Salah's move to Trabzonspor.
- Ertugrul Dogan is the club president and described the recruitment as a successful operation.
- The salary figure of €17m a year was mentioned in the coverage as a factor that helped persuade the player.
WHY IT MATTERS
If accurate, the president’s account highlights two drivers behind high-profile transfers: financial terms and the appeal of a club’s fanbase. For Trabzonspor, landing a player of Salah’s profile — and the way the club frames the move — could be positioned as a significant boost to the club’s stature and public image.
Note that the sequence and motivations described are those given by the club president in the interview; the BBC clip relays his explanation rather than independent verification of all details.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- Any further official detail from Trabzonspor or Salah’s representatives that clarifies contractual terms or the player’s plans.
- How supporters and media react to the signing and whether the club’s claims about fan influence are echoed elsewhere.
- Subsequent reports or coverage that confirm elements of Dogan’s account.
KEY FACTS
- Ertugrul Dogan, president of Trabzonspor, spoke to BBC Sport Africa about Mohamed Salah’s move.
- Dogan said he used the club’s passionate fanbase as part of the pitch to the player.
- The reporting mentions a salary of €17m a year as a contributing factor.
- Dogan stated the transfer was not driven purely by financial reasons and described the deal as a notable coup for the club.