«We’re waiting for the announcement,» exclaims Taha, a Besiktas supporter perched on the stadium steps overlooking the Bosphorus. The 28-year-old scans his phone for updates on Mohamed Salah (34), now a free agent and reportedly in advanced talks for a one-year deal with an option to extend, reportedly worth €12 million plus bonuses.

A turning point for Besiktas?

Besiktas hasn’t won a league title since 2021, and morale among fans has plummeted as the club trails behind rivals Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe, and Trabzonspor. A video circulating online shows a supporter waking from anesthesia, immediately asking if Salah has signed. The hype is undeniable.

«This could easily be the biggest transfer in the club’s history—and perhaps in all of Turkish football,» says Eren Tutel, a Besiktas expert and journalist for BirGün. «There’s no other signing that combines this level of talent, global fame, and commercial appeal.»

Sahit, another fan outside the stadium, insists Salah’s potential arrival surpasses even Quaresma’s legendary stint (154 games, 2015–2019) and Osimhen’s move to Galatasaray (2024). «He’s got a bigger trophy haul,» Sahit argues. With three Premier League titles (2015 with Chelsea, 2020 and 2025 with Liverpool) and a Champions League win (2019), Salah arrives in Turkey as a decorated champion. «And he’s Egypt’s most beloved figure—essentially its ambassador,» adds Caner Isbegendiren of Fanatik, though he cautions that talks are still ongoing.

Salah’s arrival could unlock bigger ambitions

Besiktas, symbolized by an eagle emblem, has already swooped for Leandro Trossard, signing the Arsenal winger for €18 million. The Belgian’s presentation last Thursday drew 20,000 fans chanting Salah’s name. Eren Tutel believes Salah’s presence could attract more star names: «Besiktas needs to build a balanced team around him—something it’s lacked in recent years.»

Outside the stadium shop, 32-year-old Ali adjusts his black-and-white scarf. «I’m here for the new-season jerseys, but I’ll wait to buy Salah’s,» he says. If the deal goes through, the club store and airport will be flooded with fans eager to welcome him.