Besiktas ends negotiations with Salah
Besiktas, one of Istanbul’s prominent football clubs, has confirmed the cessation of negotiations with former Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah. Sporting director Önder Özen stated that the club withdrew from discussions after three meetings, citing an unwillingness to meet the financial demands from Salah and his representatives. Özen emphasized that Besiktas maintains certain principles and cannot compromise on them, particularly regarding the agent’s fee and the overall sum requested.
Despite the halt in talks, Özen noted that the offer previously extended to Salah remains available should his representatives reconsider. However, Besiktas will not present a new proposal. The club was reportedly informed that Salah’s team was also engaged in discussions with other clubs, potentially securing a deal elsewhere.
Salah, who became a free agent after nine years with Liverpool, had been linked with a move to Turkey. Reports indicated that a transfer to Turkey was a priority for the 34-year-old Egyptian, even with interest from other sides, including clubs in Saudi Arabia and the United States.
Concerns over financial implications and fan expectations
The potential transfer had drawn mixed reactions and warnings from Turkish football observers. Ahmed Turgut, a podcast presenter specializing in Turkish football, cautioned Besiktas about the high salary demands. Turgut suggested that if Salah’s performance mirrored his last season with Liverpool, the significant financial outlay could turn him into a burden for the club, potentially leading to negative reactions from fans.
Besiktas fans are known for their intense passion, which can quickly turn critical if players do not meet expectations. This was highlighted when supporters chanted Salah’s name during the unveiling of another player, Leandro Trossard, rather than focusing on the new arrival. This fervent atmosphere could become “toxic” if Salah, on a salary estimated at up to 12 million euros a year, failed to deliver.
The club’s financial situation adds another layer of concern. Besiktas is currently burdened with debts of approximately 387 million pounds. Turkish clubs collectively have recorded net losses amounting to 444.51 million pounds over the past four years, making substantial financial commitments a delicate matter.
Sporting appeal versus financial realities
Conversely, Kaan Bayazit, presenter of the “Black Eagles” podcast dedicated to Besiktas, viewed Salah’s potential move as sportingly attractive. Bayazit argued that joining Besiktas would offer Salah the chance to compete in the Champions League and play in one of Europe’s top 10 leagues, participating in major derbies within Istanbul. This opportunity, Bayazit suggested, could allow Salah to write a distinctive final chapter in his career, contrasting with moves to leagues often perceived as primarily financially motivated.
Despite the financial hurdles, Turkey has increasingly become an attractive destination for high-profile players. Recent arrivals in Istanbul include Leroy Sane, Ilkay Gundogan, Ederson, N’Golo Kante, Leandro Trossard, and Mason Greenwood. Additionally, Victor Osimhen made a record Turkish deal move to Galatasaray for 64.1 million pounds.
Salah’s impressive record at Liverpool, where he scored 257 goals and provided 120 assists in 442 appearances, underscores the quality he could have brought to Besiktas. However, the club’s decision to withdraw from negotiations was made after their offer, which included 10.7 million pounds a year plus incentives, was not accepted.
Besiktas will now focus on upcoming fixtures, including their Europa League qualifying match against FC Midtjylland, having secured a 1–0 victory in the first leg.
Source: goal.com
