"We Never Wanted Salah": Besiktas fires back at Trabzonspor’s Mohamed Salah transfer coup

Besiktas president Serdal Adali has broken his silence regarding Mohamed Salah’s recent move to Trabzonspor, firmly denying that the Istanbul giants were outmanoeuvred in the transfer market.

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

"We Never Wanted Salah"

Speaking to the Turkish media, including A Spor, Adali expressed his frustration over the narrative suggesting Besiktas failed to secure the former Liverpool star.

He categorically stated that the club had no intention of completing the deal.

"We did not want the Mohamed Salah transfer and this should be clear to everyone.. We did not sign him, but it is not because we lost the deal or couldn't get him. That is simply not true" Adali said.

The president also clarified comments made previously by manager Önder whose polite use of the phrase "for now" when discussing the player was widely misinterpreted. Adali noted that Besiktas could have publicly announced their withdrawal from negotiations at the time but chose not to leading to the false impression that Trabzonspor had snatched the player from their grasp.

"Since I took charge, no one has been able to snatch any player we wanted to sign.. Our relationship with Trabzonspor is good and nothing of the sort could happen between the two clubs. The player's agent did things we are not accustomed to. With time, the picture will become clear and everyone will understand why this deal was not completed" Adali added.

Trossard licensing update

Addressing other transfer business, Adali reassured supporters about their incoming recruits. He confirmed that the club's transfer plans are proceeding as expected, with more new players set to arrive next week.

He also cleared up confusion surrounding the registration of Leandro Trossard. The Belgian winger recently arrived but faced administrative delays preventing his immediate debut.

"There is no issue with Trossard's license, the matter was resolved last night and we are just waiting for the documents from England.. He will not be ready for the first match, but we hope he will participate in the second" Adali explained.

The president also dismissed the controversy over his facial expressions during Trossard's presentation when fans were heard chanting Salah's name. Adali simply stated that he did not hear the chants at that specific moment.

Analytical view: Shifting focus from reactionary to strategic

Adali’s firm public stance is a direct effort to protect the club’s image and calm a fanbase that expected a marquee signing to match their rivals.

The optics of Trabzonspor landing a global icon like Salah undoubtedly created immediate pressure on the Besiktas board. By framing the collapsed talks as a deliberate withdrawal due to the agent's conduct, Adali is attempting to regain control of the narrative and shift the focus back to a structured, pre planned transfer strategy rather than reactionary signings.

What happens next?

Besiktas will begin their domestic campaign without Trossard but the coaching staff expects the Belgian to be fully registered and available for the second fixture.

Meanwhile, the club's hierarchy will look to finalise their remaining summer targets over the coming week to strengthen the squad further.

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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