Mohamed Salah could be set for one of the most lucrative moves of his career after Fenerbahce president Aziz Yildirim revealed the staggering financial package required to bring the Liverpool icon to Turkey.
Salah is preparing to leave Liverpool this summer after bringing an end to a glittering spell at Anfield. Despite signing a two-year extension last year, the Egyptian’s role diminished during the past season and all parties ultimately agreed that a fresh start would be the best solution.
The 34-year-old remains one of the biggest names available on the market and has attracted interest from clubs across Europe, the Middle East and North America.
Now, Turkish giants Fenerbahce have emerged as surprise contenders.
Newly elected club president Aziz Yildirim has previously promised supporters that he would attempt to sign Salah if he returned to power. Speaking after his election victory, Yildirim disclosed the scale of the investment required to complete the deal.
According to the Fenerbahce chief, Salah would likely demand a three-year contract worth a total of around €90 million (£77 million). Despite the enormous financial commitment, Yildirim insisted the club would pursue the move if football officials determine it is a priority signing.
The comments have fuelled speculation that Fenerbahce could launch one of the most ambitious transfer bids in Turkish football history.
Adding further intrigue, former Fenerbahce executive Ertan Torunogullari claimed discussions with Salah’s representatives had already taken place and were highly encouraging.
Torunogullari suggested the Egypt international had shown genuine interest in moving to Turkey and indicated that significant progress had been made regarding personal terms during previous talks.
While Fenerbahce are optimistic, they face stiff competition.
Saudi Pro League clubs continue to monitor Salah’s situation closely after attempting to sign him on multiple occasions in recent years. Major League Soccer sides have also been linked with the forward as they look to attract another global superstar.
There is also a possibility that Salah remains in European football.
Finance expert Kieran Maguire recently argued that only a small number of clubs on the continent possess the financial power required to match the winger’s wage demands. He identified Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Barcelona as among the few realistic destinations capable of funding such a move.
Salah leaves Liverpool as one of the greatest players in the club’s history. Since arriving from Roma in 2017, he has won every major trophy available and established himself as one of the Premier League’s most prolific goalscorers.
With his next destination still undecided, the race for his signature is shaping up to be one of the biggest transfer stories of the summer.
