The inside story of how Trabzonspor pulled off Salah deal

As Mohamed Salah inked his two-year contract with Trabzonspor in front of a roaring crowd at Papara Park stadium, club president Ertugrul Dogan couldn't help but beam with pride. The fans' jubilation had convinced Dogan that he'd made a masterful transfer move. "He's the biggest Muslim footballer in the world," Dogan told BBC Sport Africa and BBC Turkish, emphasizing Salah's influence as a role model.

Salah's reaction to Trabzonspor's proposal was also clear – he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to join the club. So, how did Dogan convince one of football's biggest stars to join a club without Champions League football and a recent Turkish League title? Trabzon, a Black Sea coastal city, may not be among Turkey's top urban centers, but Dogan asserts it's the world's biggest one-club city.

Dogan claims Trabzonspor's supporters possess a unique love that Salah would experience. Born in Trabzon, Dogan is a local businessman who amassed wealth through various real estate, hazelnut, and biofuel ventures. He became Trabzonspor's president in 2023, following the club's most successful season in years – winning the league title in 2021-22.

Under his leadership, the team has consistently finished in the top half of the Turkish Super League. Dogan envisions Trabzonspor as a destination for world-class talent, aiming to elevate young players and pair them with star athletes. The recent sale of Ivorian midfielder Christ Inao Oulai and Brazilian forward Felipe Augusto for substantial profits demonstrates Dogan's commitment to balancing young talent with experienced players.

Cameroon goalkeeper Andre Onana is also set to return on loan from Manchester United for another season. Salah's signing, valued at €17m annually, has generated immense global engagement, though Dogan emphasizes that the transfer's financial value is hard to quantify. Nearly 70% of Salah's salary was covered by season ticket sales within days of the announcement, with Dogan expecting the club to surpass 30,000 season ticket holders.

Initial interest from other clubs, including a Saudi Pro League offer, paled in comparison to Trabzonspor's sincere approach. Negotiations swiftly concluded, with Salah set to join Trabzonspor in August following his impressive tenure at Liverpool.