“The announcement could come any minute now,” exclaims Taha, a Besiktas supporter, seated on the stadium steps overlooking the Bosphorus. The 22-year-old keeps refreshing his phone, tracking every update about Mohamed Salah (34), currently a free agent and in advanced talks to sign with the Istanbul-based club. Local reports suggest a one-year renewable deal worth €12 million, plus performance bonuses.

A transfer that would redefine Besiktas and Turkish football

According to Eren Tutel, football analyst for BirGün and Besiktas expert, “This could easily become the biggest transfer in the club’s history—and perhaps in the entire Turkish league.” He emphasizes that no other signing combines Salah’s global fame, sporting excellence, and commercial appeal in a single package.

Salah’s potential arrival is being compared to historic transfers like Quaresma’s legendary stint at Besiktas and Osimhen’s move to Galatasaray. However, supporters such as Sahit argue that Salah surpasses both in pedigree: a three-time Premier League winner (2015 with Chelsea, 2020 and 2025 with Liverpool) and a UEFA Champions League champion (2019). Beyond his trophy cabinet, Salah is Egypt’s most beloved sporting icon, often seen as a national ambassador. Caner Isbegendiren, football correspondent for Fanatik, notes, “He brings more than skill—he brings global prestige and media attention.”

Besiktas in crisis: can Salah reverse the club’s decline?

Besiktas, whose crest features an eagle, has struggled since winning the league in 2021. The club now languishes behind arch-rivals Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe, and Trabzonspor, finishing fourth last season. Morale among fans is low, but the prospect of Salah’s arrival has sparked new hope. A viral video even shows a recently operated supporter, barely awake from anesthesia, demanding updates on the transfer.

To reverse its fortunes, Besiktas has already moved aggressively, securing Belgian winger Leandro Trossard from Arsenal for €18 million. The 31-year-old, a recent English champion, was presented to 20,000 fans last Thursday, with the crowd chanting Salah’s name. Analysts believe the Egyptian’s signature could attract further top-tier talent. “Besiktas needs to build a balanced squad around him—a weakness that’s haunted the club in recent years,” Tutel explains.

Ali, a 32-year-old fan draped in a black-and-white scarf, heads toward the club store beneath the stadium. “I came to check out the new jerseys, but I’ll wait for the Salah one,” he says. Should the deal go through, the club shop and airport will be flooded with fans eager to welcome the Egyptian star.