Egyptian star Mohamed Salah has arrived in Turkey on a free transfer from Liverpool, sparking widespread attention by wearing a Trabzonspor shirt bearing the number 61 on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, ahead of his formal presentation to tens of thousands of fans.
Trabzonspor Arrival and Financial Terms of the Contract
The Egyptian forward landed in Istanbul at 12:00 noon on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, to complete his medical examinations and finalize his move to the Turkish club. According to Turkish media reports cited by club coverage, Salah agreed to a two-year contract with Trabzonspor following the expiration of his nine-year tenure at Liverpool.
The financial package makes the transfer one of the most notable deals in Turkish football history. The agreement carries an annual salary of 17 million euros, alongside a 5 million euro signing bonus and a 25 percent share of revenue generated from his shirt sales.
The Symbolic Meaning Behind the Number 61
Before touching a ball on the pitch, Salah captured public attention by boarding his flight to Turkey wearing an unassigned squad number that carries deep local significance. Rather than his familiar number 11 from Liverpool or number 10 from the Egyptian national team, the forward wore a shirt emblazoned with the number 61.
In Turkey, 61 serves as the official vehicle registration plate code for the province of Trabzon. Over generations, the number evolved past its administrative function into a core emblem of local identity and civic pride, appearing across storefronts, social media handles, and stadium chants during the 61st minute of every match at Papara Park.
Mohamed Salah stated through a club video release that Trabzon should get ready because he had arrived, would see them soon, and noted that wherever they were, Trabzon was there.
Mohamed Salah, via club video release
Reconciliation of Squad Number Reports
Media outlets offered varying details regarding what number the forward will actually wear during competitive fixtures. While initial reports from the Turkish newspaper Sabah indicated that Salah ultimately preferred the number 10 shirt—notwithstanding a printed number 11 shirt prepared with his name—other sports outlets emphasized that the number 61 appearance served strictly as an introductory gesture of respect toward the local fan base.
Club announcements clarified that the initial numeric display was designed to honor the city’s heritage rather than signal his definitive matchday squad designation. Officials planned to release the official squad list following the conclusion of his medical tests and formal introductory ceremony.
Fan Reception and Cultural Resonance
The gesture immediately resonated with supporters in Trabzon, who viewed the choice as an early acknowledgment of local culture by a high-profile arrival. Analysts noted that by embracing a symbol tied to the club’s historic milestone as the first team outside Istanbul to break league dominance, the player established an immediate rapport with the stands.
The Turkish ambassador in Cairo issued formal congratulatory remarks regarding the transfer, underscoring the diplomatic and cultural visibility of the move across the region.
Next Steps and Public Presentation
Following his arrival at Istanbul airport, club administrators scheduled a formal presentation event at Papara Park. Tens of thousands of supporters are expected to attend the welcome ceremony in Trabzon, marking the official opening of a new chapter for the veteran forward after nearly a decade in the Premier League.
