«We’re waiting for the announcement», exclaims Taha, a Besiktas supporter, seated on the steps of the Vodafone Park stadium this Saturday evening. Gazing across the Bosphorus, the young fan scrolls through his phone, refreshing pages for any update on Salah’s potential transfer. According to local reports, a one-year contract—renewable—has been agreed for €12 million, with performance bonuses on top.

«This could easily be the biggest transfer in the club’s history—and in Turkish football», declares Eren Tutel, a Besiktas specialist and journalist. «No other signing combines such sporting excellence, global fame, and commercial appeal. It’s an unparalleled opportunity.»

Sahit, another fan met outside the stadium, places Salah’s potential arrival above even Quaresma’s legendary spell at Besiktas (154 matches between 2015 and 2019) and Osimhen’s move to Galatasaray in 2024. «Salah brings more than just skill—he brings prestige», Sahit insists. A three-time Premier League winner (2015 with Chelsea, 2020 and 2025 with Liverpool) and Champions League champion (2019), Salah would arrive in Turkey laden with trophies. «He’s also Egypt’s most popular personality—an ambassador for the entire nation», adds Caner Isbegendiren of Fanatik, who cautions that the transfer remains under negotiation.

In Istanbul, the mood is electric. One viral video shows a supporter waking from anesthesia, immediately checking his phone for news of Salah’s signing. Since their last title in 2021, Besiktas has slipped behind Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe, and Trabzonspor, finishing fourth last season. The club’s emblem—a soaring eagle—now seems caged.

To reverse the tide, Besiktas has already swooped for Leandro Trossard from Arsenal for €18 million. The Belgian winger, 31, recently crowned an English champion, was unveiled to 20,000 fans last Thursday. The chants of «Salah! Salah!» echoed through the stands. His arrival could pave the way for others, Eren Tutel notes: «Besiktas must build a balanced team around him—a balance it has lacked in recent years.»

Ali, 32, clad in the club’s black-and-white jersey, heads toward the stadium shop. «I came for the new season’s kit, but I’ll wait to buy Salah’s», he says with a grin. Should the transfer be confirmed, the store—and the airport—will be besieged by fans eager to welcome the Egyptian phenomenon.