Fenerbahçe vice‑president Ertan Torunoğulları has publicly confirmed that the Turkish giants have held two meetings with the agent of Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah in recent days, discussing a potential summer move to the Süper Lig.
Speaking to Lila Kora, Torunoğulları stated: “I held two meetings with Mohamed Salah’s agent in recent days, and we discussed the possibility of him joining us. Fenerbahçe has a strong interest in signing Mohamed Salah this summer, and he is one of our main targets.”
The announcement comes as the 33‑year‑old Egyptian prepares to bring a historic nine‑year chapter at Anfield to a close, with his departure widely expected at the end of the current 2025‑26 season. Although he remains under contract until 2027, reports indicate that a mutual agreement has been reached to allow Salah to leave on a free transfer this summer.
Around the same time, Salah’s agent reportedly informed suitors: “We are not considering the Saudi Arabia option right now; it could be Europe.”
From Secret Meetings to a Public Bid
Turkish outlet A Spor initially revealed that the talks took place during Ramadan, with Torunoğulları personally leading two clandestine meetings in Kadıköy. Negotiations were reportedly aimed at presenting Fenerbahçe’s ambitious vision to the former Premier League Player of the Year, who appears to value the chance to remain in Europe’s elite competition as he aims to stay at peak fitness for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The financial challenge, however, is significant. Reports suggest Salah is seeking an annual salary of approximately €20 million (£333,000 per week), a figure that would make him the highest‑paid player in Süper Lig history – a monumental step for a league where such wages are unprecedented.
Club divisions: According to sources, Fenerbahçe’s board is split on whether to break the bank for one man or spread resources across multiple reinforcements.
The Election Factor – Talks Temporarily Paused
A third, potentially decisive meeting was scheduled after the Intercontinental Derby on April 26, but the process has been officially suspended.
The reason: Fenerbahçe is currently navigating a period of internal transition, with an extraordinary general assembly and board elections looming. Outgoing president Ali Koç and his administration have frozen all major financial commitments to allow the incoming leadership to set the budget for the 2026‑27 campaign. Until a new president is elected, the fate of Fenerbahçe’s audacious pursuit of Salah – and any other marquee signing – remains in limbo.
Salah’s Final Season at Anfield & Broader Interest
Despite the swirling transfer speculation, the Egyptian King has remained a central figure on Merseyside. Salah has netted 12 goals and provided nine assists in 38 appearances across all competitions this season. While a minor hamstring scare raised fears of a premature end to his Liverpool career, the club has confirmed the injury is minor and Salah is expected to return before the season concludes.
An emotional farewell already appears to be in motion – Liverpool fans were recently moved by Salah’s “heartbreaking” final walk around the Anfield pitch after a Champions League tie against PSG.
Other suitors: Fenerbahçe is not the only club monitoring the situation. Egypt’s national team director Ibrahim Hassan has publicly urged Salah to stay in European football, claiming offers have come from Paris Saint‑Germain, Bayern Munich and clubs from Italy, while also warning against a move to MLS.
What Happens Next?
For now, the pursuit of Mohamed Salah has become the defining storyline of the Turkish transfer window. Should Fenerbahçe’s election process produce a new board willing to authorize the necessary funds, what Turkish media have dubbed the “Transfer of the Century” could become a stunning reality.
Until then, the football world waits to see whether Liverpool’s legendary Egyptian will indeed light up the Süper Lig – or whether Fenerbahçe’s ambitious gamble will ultimately fall victim to internal politics and financial reality.
