Mohamed Salah has chosen his next club: Turkish side Trabzonspor.
The Liverpool icon, who left Anfield as a free agent at the end of last season, has arrived in Turkey ahead of the move and has been pictured by the club wearing the team’s colours ahead of signing his contract on Thursday.
Salah is set to wear the number 61 shirt at his new club, a move that's come as a surprise to many given his recent form and the fact he's only two seasons removed from an outstanding Premier League campaign.
Trabzonspor are generally viewed as the fourth-biggest side in Turkey, behind Istanbul giants Fenerbahce, Galatasaray, and Besiktas.
Managed by former Turkey international Fatih Tekke, Trabzonspor finished third in Super Lig last season, just behind champions Galatasaray and runners-up Fenerbahce. They're yet to qualify for the Europa League league phase, and face a two-legged play-off this month – so European football is by no means a guarantee.
Salah is just 34 years old, but his last contract at Liverpool was enormous, reportedly worth £400,000 per week. His decision to join Trabzonspor, a free transfer, suggests the club will have been able to commit more of their transfer budget towards his wages.
The move is a significant coup for Trabzonspor, who are now on the verge of signing one of the sport's biggest global stars.
Salah has been pictured wearing Trabzonspor's colours and is set to arrive in the city on Wednesday before signing his contract. "Trabzon, are you ready? See you very soon," he said in a video shot onboard a private jet and posted on social media on Wednesday.
The Egypt captain's signing is likely to have a significant impact on Trabzonspor's commercial fortunes, with the club's main shirt sponsor, financial services company Papapa, holding naming rights for their stadium.
Salah's move to Trabzonspor is set to be completed on Thursday, when he'll sign his contract and officially become the club's biggest signing.
Source: Yahoo Sports