Mohamed Salah’s lawyer just threw cold water on the hottest transfer rumor of the week. Ramy Abass took to X to push back against reports that the Egyptian forward had already agreed to join Turkish club Besiktas. His message was brief but pointed: ‘I personally do not know where Mohamed will play next season. What does that tell you?’
The report in question came from journalist Santi Aouna, who claimed Besiktas had reached a verbal agreement with Salah on a one-year contract with an option for another 12 months. The deal was supposedly worth around €12 million, including bonuses. Reliable Turkish reporter Yagiz Sabuncouglu backed up parts of the story, though he suggested negotiations were still ongoing over contract length and image rights.
So where does that leave us? Abass didn’t deny a move entirely. His lawyerly phrasing leaves the door cracked open — he just made it clear nothing is finalized. That’s not exactly the same as saying Salah won’t end up in Istanbul. But it does suggest the ‘verbal agreement’ talk was premature at best.
Salah left Liverpool in March after a falling out with coach Arne Slot, despite having a year left on his deal. The 34-year-old had a down season by his insane standards: 12 goals and 10 assists in 41 appearances across all competitions. For most players, those numbers are solid. For Salah, it felt like a slump.
Besiktas is trying to close the gap on Galatasaray, who just won the Turkish league title. They’ve already signed Leandro Trossard from Arsenal. Adding Salah would be a massive statement — a guy who scored 155 Premier League goals for Liverpool is still a nightmare for any defense when he’s on his game.
But there are other options on the table. MLS club Sporting Kansas City has shown interest in the veteran forward. A move stateside would make sense for Salah’s brand and give him a lighter workload as he winds down his career. He’s also been linked to clubs in Saudi Arabia, though those rumors have cooled recently.
The real question is what Salah wants at this stage. He’s 34, made his fortune, and has nothing left to prove in Europe. Does he chase one more shot at the Champions League with a club like Besiktas? Or does he head to America for a different kind of adventure?
For now, the only thing we know for sure is the deal isn’t done. Abass made that clear. Everything else is just noise until Salah himself says something.
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