Trabzonspor president Ertugrul Dogan has reportedly attempted to secure the signing of Mohamed Salah, the former Liverpool forward. According to reports, the initiative began during the World Cup when Dogan messaged his manager, Fatih Tekke, to gauge interest in the Egyptian star. The pursuit was kept largely quiet, as the club aimed to navigate a transfer landscape typically dominated by the 'Big Three' of Turkish football: Galatasaray, Fenerbahce, and Besiktas.

Historically, these three Istanbul-based clubs have maintained a significant financial and cultural monopoly over marquee signings in the Süper Lig. The report suggests that while Besiktas was widely perceived as the frontrunner for Salah’s signature, Trabzonspor sought to disrupt this status quo. The move is framed as a strategic attempt by the Black Sea club to elevate its profile and challenge the established hierarchy of Turkish football. As of now, the status of these negotiations remains a point of interest, highlighting the ongoing tension between the traditional powerhouses and emerging challengers in the league.