Salah could link up with Italiano as Turkish reports claim Besiktas move is close

With interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia and the United States, the surprise winner in the race for Mohamed Salah could yet be Turkey.

According to Turkish media, and in particular broadcaster A Spor, the former Liverpool forward could continue his career at one of the biggest clubs in the Super Lig - with Besiktas, now coached by Vincenzo Italiano, emerging as a serious option.

The talks

Turkish reports claim the Istanbul club have stepped up talks with Salah and his representatives in recent hours as they look to close the deal and move ahead of competition from clubs in the Saudi Pro League and Major League Soccer.

What could work in Beşiktaş’s favour is Salah’s desire to keep playing in Europe and in a league he regards as more competitive than the other two options. The Egyptian forward is also thought to be open to moving to a Muslim-majority country as he looks to continue his career.

Talks are understood to be based on a one-year contract with an option for a second season, although Salah’s entourage are pushing for a two-year deal with an option for a third.

The two sides remain apart over the contract length, but an agreement is believed to have been reached on salary: around €12m a season, despite an initial demand of €15m, plus a percentage of shirt sales bearing his name.

Agent hints at imminent decision

In recent hours, Salah’s agent Ramy Abbas Issa hinted that news on the former Roma and Fiorentina forward’s future could be close.

Writing on X, he said: “We still don’t know where Mohamed will play next season, but we may find out very soon.”