Ali Koc, Fenerbahce’s former chairman, is from one of the wealthiest families in Turkey, which explains their riches during his time at the club. They have also had a knack for discovering talent and selling for substantial profits, with Ferdi Kadioglu (€30m/£26m) heading to the Premier League with Brighton and Arda Guler (€28m/£24m) at Real Madrid.
Salah’s deal with Trabzonspor is likely to be funded through sponsorship, with the club having deals with Turkish Airlines and electric car manufacturers Togg. Just after Egypt forward Salah signed, Turkish Airlines announced direct flights between Cairo and Trabzon. Trabzonspor also sold Christ Inao Oulai to Fiorentina in a €26m (£22m) deal this summer to give them more options in the market.
Turkey’s reputation
Heading to Turkey was traditionally associated with players seeing out the final days of their career. Robin van Persie arrived at Fenerbahce after winning the Premier League with Manchester United. Darius Vassell, the England international, was greeted by fans – and looked shocked – when he arrived for his move to Ankaragucu in 2009.
In the past there have been tales of players being made to wait for their salaries, or not receiving the full amount. Or clubs looking for reasons not to pay in full if the players were injured or out of favour. But players are also protected by a rule that they can leave on a free transfer if they are not paid for three months.
Cautionary tales
Turkish clubs made a big push for marquee signings three years ago but not all of them have lasted long. Wilfried Zaha was at Galatasaray in 2023 as a high-profile Bosman-free transfer but the following season he was sent on loan to Lyon, then last season went to Charlotte FC in Major League Soccer.
