Turkish football is holding its breath as Egyptian superstar Mohamed Salah appears on the verge of completing a blockbuster move to Besiktas. Local reports confirm that a preliminary agreement has been reached for a one-year deal with an option to extend, valued at €12 million including bonuses—potentially the most historic transfer in both club and national league history.

“We’re waiting for the announcement.” This phrase echoes through the aisles of the Vodafone Park stadium, where Taha, a lifelong Besiktas supporter, sits with his phone in hand, refreshing news feeds about Salah (34), now a free agent and just days away from potentially donning the black-and-white jersey. “Every fan is glued to their screens,” he says, pointing toward the Bosphorus. “This isn’t just another signing—it’s a game-changer.”

A transfer that could rewrite the club’s—and Turkey’s—football legacy

Football analysts across Istanbul are unanimous: if finalized, Salah’s arrival would mark the most significant transfer in the history of Besiktas—and likely the Süper Lig. Eren Tutel, football correspondent for BirGün, emphasizes the unparalleled combination of sporting excellence, global fame, and commercial appeal the Egyptian brings. “No other signing in recent memory combines trophies, star power, and marketability like Salah,” he notes. “He’s not just a player—he’s a phenomenon.”

Salah’s resume speaks for itself: three-time Premier League winner (2015 with Chelsea, 2020 and 2025 with Liverpool), Champions League champion (2019), and a key figure in Egypt’s national team. “He’s the most popular athlete in Egypt,” adds Caner Isbegendiren of Fanatik. “A living symbol of the nation—his arrival would do more than boost the team; it would elevate the entire league.”

Besiktas in crisis: Salah’s star power as the club’s last hope

Besiktas supporters have suffered through a bleak period. Since their last league title in 2021, the club has slipped behind archrivals Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe, and Trabzonspor, finishing fourth last season. Morale is at an all-time low. This is where Salah enters the frame—not just as a player, but as a catalyst for revival. “He could single-handedly transform Besiktas,” Tutel asserts. “The club has lacked balance for years. Signing Salah is the first step toward rebuilding competitively—and financially.”

The club has already made one high-profile capture this summer, securing Belgian winger Leandro Trossard (31) from Arsenal for €18 million. His recent arrival was greeted by 20,000 cheering fans in the stadium, many of whom chanted Salah’s name in anticipation of the Egyptian’s potential move. “This isn’t just about Salah,” explains Tutel. “It’s about creating a team around him—one that can compete again. And that starts with him.”

Fan frenzy: jerseys, merchandise, and national pride at stake

Besiktas fans are already dreaming in black and white. Ali, 32, wearing a club scarf, stands outside the stadium shop. “I came to check out the new season kits,” he says, “but I’ll wait—if Salah signs, I’m buying his jersey first.” If the transfer goes through, the club’s official store—and Istanbul’s airport—are expected to be swarmed by fans eager to welcome their new star.

Sahit, another supporter, compares Salah’s potential arrival to historic signings like Ricardo Quaresma (2015–2019) and Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, 2024). “But Salah is different,” he insists. “He brings a bigger trophy haul and unmatched global recognition. He’s not just a player—he’s an icon.”