Salah to Besiktas: Liverpool’s era ends as Egypt icon heads to Turkey

Mohamed Salah’s next move is settled. After six transformative seasons at Liverpool, the Egypt forward will continue his career in Turkey, with Besiktas confirmed as his destination. The 34-year-old’s exit from Anfield closes the most potent striker partnership of Liverpool’s modern era and delivers a pragmatic, if bittersweet, finale to a club chapter that redefined both player and club.

The anatomy of a departure

Salah’s switch to Besiktas follows weeks of speculation linking him with multiple European destinations. Reports in French media cited by BBC Sport placed the Turkey move as agreed, ending months of contract uncertainty at Anfield. The club confirmed his release at the end of the season, and the Turkish Super Lig club’s interest in Leandro Trossard—another Premier League attacker heading east—underlines the broader trend of experienced forwards seeking fresh challenges in Istanbul.

Salah’s Anfield tenure delivered three Premier League titles, a Champions League, and 156 goals in 354 appearances. His final season saw him contribute 19 goals and 12 assists across all competitions, a tally that kept Liverpool in the title race until the final weeks. Yet with his contract expiring, the club opted not to extend talks, clearing the way for a move that respects his stature while acknowledging the need for regeneration.

Anfield’s lasting imprint

Salah arrived in 2017 as a Champions League winner with Roma and left as a Premier League legend. His partnership with Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mané reshaped Liverpool’s attack, while his individual brilliance—22 Premier League goals in his debut season—helped end a 30-year title drought. The Egyptian’s knack for decisive moments—whether against Manchester City, Chelsea, or in European nights—cemented a legacy that transcends statistics.

His departure also marks the end of an era defined by high pressing, relentless transitions, and a front three that terrorised defences. Firmino’s exit in 2023 and Mané’s move to Bayern Munich in 2022 already signalled the close of that cycle; Salah’s exit completes it. Besiktas, meanwhile, secure a marquee signing capable of elevating their European ambitions, with the 34-year-old expected to bring leadership and cutting-edge experience to a squad reshaping under new management.

Egypt’s next chapter

Salah’s move to Turkey also carries significance for the Egypt national team. His participation in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and potential finals will now be framed by club commitments in Istanbul. The forward has been Egypt’s talisman for nearly a decade, and his relocation to Besiktas could redefine his international rhythm—balancing club intensity with the demands of representing the Pharaohs. Recent reports have highlighted his continued influence in World Cup campaigns, underscoring how his club switch may shape his international future.

For Liverpool, the task shifts to rebuilding. The club’s recruitment will need to address the void left by Salah’s departure, with reports suggesting they are eyeing younger forwards to complement Darwin Núñez and Diogo Jota. The focus now turns to identifying a successor who can replicate the Egyptian’s blend of speed, finishing, and big-game nous—no small order.

The tactical shift

Salah’s game thrived on verticality and directness, exploiting half-spaces and late runs into the box. Besiktas’ system under their new coach will need to accommodate his strengths—likely positioning him as a central striker or wide forward in a fluid front line. His ability to link play and stretch defences will be crucial in a league where physicality and counter-attacking remain defining traits. The Turkish club’s recent signing of Trossard, another player comfortable in multiple attacking roles, hints at a squad being built for flexibility.

For Liverpool, the challenge is twofold: replacing a goalscorer and a cultural symbol. The club’s next striker must adapt to the intensity of the Premier League while carrying the weight of expectation that comes with wearing the No. 11 jersey. Salah’s legacy is secure, but the transition period will test the club’s ability to evolve without him.

Salah’s move to Besiktas is not a shock, but it is a statement of intent—both for the player and the club. For Liverpool, it closes a chapter defined by relentless success and unforgettable moments. For Besiktas, it signals ambition. For Egypt, it marks the next phase of a career that has already rewritten history. The Egyptian King may be leaving Anfield, but his story is far from over.