Mohamed Salah’s expected move to Turkish club Trabzonspor has prompted a pointed response from Ben Harburg, the American businessman who owns Saudi Pro League side Al-Kholood.
Trabzonspor announced on Tuesday evening that it had begun formal negotiations to sign the Egypt international, in a development that could lead to one of the most significant transfers of the window.
Minutes before the announcement, Trabzonspor’s official account on X posted a video featuring the Egyptian pyramids. The footage was widely presented as a hint that the club was close to completing a deal for Salah.
Salah left Liverpool at the end of last season after spending nine years at Anfield, a period in which he established himself as one of the club’s leading players and collected a series of individual and team honours.
His next destination had been the subject of considerable speculation since his departure. A move to the Saudi Pro League had been widely expected, with Al-Ittihad among the clubs reported to have shown an interest in signing him.
However, the developments surrounding Trabzonspor suggest Salah may instead continue his career in Turkey. If completed, the move would see the 33-year-old begin a new chapter away from both Liverpool and the Saudi league.
Harburg responded to the reports on his official X account with a sarcastic comment about the competition Salah had been expected to join.
“He has gone to the right league… the Saudi Pro League is not the right place to spend a retirement holiday,” Harburg wrote.
Trabzonspor’s announcement confirms that talks have started, but the information available does not state that a final agreement has been reached. The Turkish club’s social-media post and its reference to negotiations nevertheless indicate that the proposed transfer has moved beyond simple speculation.
Salah’s possible arrival would represent a major statement of intent for Trabzonspor, while also ending months of uncertainty over his plans after Liverpool. During his nine seasons with the club, he played a central role in a highly successful period filled with personal achievements and collective success.
The possibility of a move to Saudi Arabia had attracted particular attention because of the interest reportedly shown by Al-Ittihad. That expectation formed the backdrop to Harburg’s remarks, which directly contrasted the appeal of the Turkish league with the Saudi Pro League.
For now, Trabzonspor have confirmed only the opening of formal negotiations. The club’s announcement, however, together with its pyramid-themed video, has made the Turkish side the leading candidate to secure Salah’s signature as he considers the next stage of his career.
