The Salah effect: Trabzonspor make a bold move to sign former Liverpool player

According to Turkish media reports, Trabzonspor have opened formal talks to sign Al-Hilal striker Darwin Nunez aiming to reunite him with Mohamed Salah.

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A sensational double swoop

The Black Sea Storm are actively trying to construct one of the most formidable attacking line-ups in the Turkish Super Lig. With Salah currently in Turkey to finalise the remaining details of his anticipated two year contract, reportedly worth around €17 million annually, the club's hierarchy has immediately shifted its focus to securing a proven centre forward.

According to Turkish outlet Sabah, via Haberler, Trabzonspor have submitted a formal proposal for Nunez. The 27 year old is currently under contract with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal. A crucial meeting between Trabzonspor officials, the player’s representatives and Al-Hilal is scheduled to take place to discuss the terms and feasibility of a potential transfer.

Capitalising on a roster squeeze

Nunez’s potential move to Turkey highlights a rapid shift in his career trajectory. Following his transfer from Liverpool to Saudi Arabia in the summer of 2025, the Uruguayan initially performed well registering nine goals and five assists in 24 appearances last season.

However, his playing time diminished significantly after Al-Hilal acquired Karim Benzema during the winter window leaving him sidelined under manager Simone Inzaghi due to strict foreign player registration limits.

For Trabzonspor, this represents a unique market opportunity. Nunez and Salah spent several successful years together at Anfield developing a strong on pitch understanding. Replicating that established chemistry in the Super Lig would provide Trabzonspor with an instant offensive advantage.

The pursuit of Nunez is also a direct challenge to domestic rivals Besiktas. The Istanbul club had been closely monitoring the striker for weeks but Trabzonspor’s aggressive entry into the negotiations, emboldened by the Salah deal, has firmly ignited a transfer battle between the two Turkish heavyweights.

What happens next?

Trabzonspor must convince Al-Hilal to sanction the departure, potentially by negotiating a loan deal that covers a portion of his wages, while simultaneously persuading the Uruguayan that a reunion with Salah is the perfect environment to relaunch his European career.

Khaled Hegazy |

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Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

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