Mohamed Salah closes on Turkey move: Former Liverpool star pictured in Trabzonspor kit and sends message to fans – as supporters gather at the airport ahead of his arrival

Mohamed Salah was greeted by crowds of Trabzonspor fans after arriving in Istanbul ahead of completing a move to the Turkish club.

Fans had gathered in anticipation for Salah’s arrival after the former Liverpool star travelled to the city on a private jet.

Salah was pictured on the jet wearing a Trabzonspor shirt, featuring his name and the number 61 – which is regularly used as a symbol of the city and the club.

A video was released by the club with Salah addressing fans ahead of his imminent arrival.

‘Trabzon are you ready, I can hear you,’ Salah said. ‘See you very soon.’

The pictures and video were released as the 34-year-old began travelling from the Greek island of Mykonos, where he has been on holiday following his World Cup involvement with Egypt.

Mohamed Salah was greeted by Trabzonspor fans at the Ataturk Airport as he closes on a move to the Turkish side

Salah was seen conducting the crowds that had gathered ahead of his high-profile transfer

His club future is now close to being decided, having become a free agent after agreeing to tear up the final year of his Liverpool contract.

Trabzonspor had invited their supporters to pay to join a live stream following Salah’s flight to Turkey, as fans gathered outside the Ataturk Airport ahead of his arrival.

A private jet took off from Mykonos Airport around 10.30am as Salah began his journey.

Turkish giants Besiktas were understood to be the Egyptian’s first choice but talks with them stalled last week.

Trabzonspor revealed their talks with Salah on Tuesday night, with the club informing their 1.9million followers on X of his travel arrangements, as well as telling fans a welcome programme would be in place.

The club wrote: ‘Public Announcement: Negotiations have begun regarding the transfer of professional footballer Mohamed Salah to our Club.’

The club then posted: ‘Professional footballer Mohamed Salah, with whom we have begun transfer negotiations, will be at Istanbul Atatürk Airport General Aviation Terminal at 12:00 on Wednesday, August 5.

‘The player is scheduled to arrive in Trabzon on the same day in the evening hours.

Salah had earlier been pictured on a private jet as he travelled from Mykonos to Istanbul

The former Liverpool star is set to sign a two-year contract with the Turkish club

Fans had arrived at the airport after Trabzonspor announced Salah’s travel schedule for the day

Salah is set to continue his journey to Trabzon later today to complete the transfer

Trabzonspor fans celebrated the high-profile arrival of Salah ahead of the new season

‘The time and other details regarding the welcome program in Trabzon will be shared with the public through our club’s official communication channels during the day.’

Trabzonspor also shared a 17-second AI video of a camera shot panning from pyramids over mountains to a view of their 41,000-seater stadium Papara Park.

Salah’s future has been the subject of huge interest since the surprising decision was announced back in March that he would leave Liverpool one year into his two-year contract extension.

Many anticipated that Saudi Arabia would be the most likely destination after Al-Ittihad made a £150million bid in summer 2023.

But Trabzonspor are now set to sign the winger, who fell out with Arne Slot at Anfield last term.

The Turkish side finished third last season behind Fenerbahce and champions Galatasaray.

Salah, who is the third-highest goalscorer in Reds history with 255, did not engage in talks with teams before the end of the season out of respect to the Merseyside club.

His long-serving agent, Ramy Abbas, repeatedly insisted nothing had been decided and reaffirmed that stance during the World Cup.

But since returning from the competition in the US, talks have accelerated with interested parties.

A Trabzonspor fan was seen kissing a tifo of Saah after his arrival at Istanbul airport

Salah is renowned for his remarkable professionalism and will back himself to remain at a high level deep into his thirties.

Salah was the star man as Slot’s side won the Premier League in Slot’s first season, the Egyptian’s second English title, but his level dipped last term with just ten goals compared to a staggering 34 when he spear-headed the 2024-25 title win.

Liverpool are yet to replace the player who was voted Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) Players’ Player of the Year three times at the club.

With the start of the season fast approaching, Bradley Barcola of PSG remains the most likely high-profile attacking signing.

But the 23-year-old, valued at £145million by his club, plays predominantly on the left and Jamie Carragher recently warned against buying him as a replacement for Salah.

Salah would be the most high-profile signing in Trabzonspor’s history and if his expected move is confirmed, will join Man United loanee Andre Onana.

Ex-Man City defender Stefan Savic also plays for the Turkish side, who have won their domestic title seven times.

MO SALAH will be settling into a new life at Trabzonspor – with a NEW shirt number.

The Egyptian legend put the new club rumours to bed after landing in Istanbul in a sensational move to the Turkish Super Lig.

At the end of last season, the 34-year-old waved goodbye to a nine-season stretch at Anfield and to wearing the No11 jersey.

Salah is set to take on a new chapter after agreeing a two-year deal with Trabzonspor.

The lucrative deal is set to set the Turks back by £14.5million a year as the former Roma star becomes the highest-paid player in the Super Lig.

The internet went crazy as Salah landed wearing his new club colours with number 61 emblazoned on the back, which had fans going mad.

The star seemingly snubbed the No11 option he wore for Liverpool.

BUT he will not actually wear the 61, as the club have confirmed he’s set for No10 – the same as he wears for the international team.

When he landed in Istanbul, his choice of shirt was more symbolic as it’s deeply rooted in Trabzon culture.

It is the area code of the region and can be spotted on every car’s licence plate when out and about.

To add to it, the Trabzonspor fans burst into electric celebrations in the 61st minute of EVERY match.

Fireworks, confetti, the whole works – and they will be hoping to spread that same cheer celebrating Salah’s goals this season.

Credit: Daily Mail and The Sun

Mohamed Salah closes on Turkey move: Former Liverpool star pictured in Trabzonspor kit and sends message to fans – as supporters gather at the airport ahead of his arrival

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