07.08.2026 14:10
The Telegraph has examined how Turkish clubs are able to add high-profile footballers to their squads following Trabzonspor's transfer of Mohamed Salah. The British newspaper highlighted the net salary system, clubs' cash flow, sponsorships, and transfer revenues, while assessing that the Süper Lig is becoming an increasingly viable option for footballers.
Following Trabzonspor's addition of Mohamed Salah to their squad, the British press outlet The Telegraph published a comprehensive review of Turkish football.
One of the newspaper's writers, Mike McGrath, explained to British readers how Turkish clubs are able to transfer high-caliber players.
The article also highlighted the attention Salah received upon his arrival in Turkey, stating:
"Footage of Mohamed Salah's arrival in Istanbul on Wednesday ahead of his transfer to Trabzonspor showcases the appeal of a move to the Süper Lig: thousands of fans greeting their new hero at the airport. Salah was followed at every step as he completed his medical and signed a two-year contract. However, things have not gone smoothly for every high-profile transfer that has chosen Turkey in recent seasons. What is now undisputed is that when agents assess the market, Turkey is seen as a more viable option for players."
HE CHOSE TURKEY OVER SAUDI ARABIA
The Telegraph reported that after it was announced Salah would leave Liverpool, he attracted interest from Saudi Arabia but instead transferred to Trabzonspor. The review also noted that many high-profile players have left the Saudi Pro League after their contracts expired.
Riyad Mahrez, Georginio Wijnaldum, Chris Smalling, Jhon Durán, Marcelo Brozovic, Franck Kessié, and Abdoulaye Doucouré were mentioned among the players who left their clubs.
TROSSARD, AKE, AND GREENWOOD EXAMPLES
The British newspaper also highlighted the activity of Turkish clubs in the transfer market. It stated: "Mason Greenwood is at Fenerbahçe along with Nathan Aké. Beşiktaş, on the other hand, added Leandro Trossard to their squad just a few months after he won the Premier League title with Arsenal."
WHY IS TURKEY SO ATTRACTIVE?
The Telegraph's review stated that one of the key reasons Turkey has become attractive to footballers is that salaries are paid net. It was stated that Salah will earn at least £14.5 million per season at Trabzonspor, and this figure is his net income before bonuses are added.
The newspaper wrote that the contract with Trabzonspor could be described as equivalent to earning over £500,000 per week in England. The report also included an assessment from a Turkish agent, who said: "They basically get their money net. They have no tax liabilities; the club pays their taxes."
A RIVAL TO SAUDI ARABIA
The review underlined that this does not mean there is no income tax in Turkey. It assessed that clubs take care of this part of the payroll, and this structure makes the Süper Lig a direct rival to Saudi Arabia in terms of net salaries.
It was recalled that Cristiano Ronaldo signed a new contract with Al Nassr, while it was noted that major spending and lucrative contracts for players in the Saudi Pro League are generally on the decline.
It was stated that Bruno Fernandes had mentioned an offer to play in the Middle East a year earlier but stayed at Manchester United, while Kevin De Bruyne moved to Napoli as a free agent.
The Telegraph noted that Salah, who they suggested could have been an ideal transfer for Saudi Arabia as it focuses on hosting the World Cup in eight years, preferred Turkey instead.
"THE BIG FOUR HAVE OVER €1 BILLION IN DEBT"
The British newspaper also examined how Turkish clubs can afford the costs of these transfers. The article noted that Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe, Beşiktaş, and Trabzonspor collectively have debts exceeding €1 billion, but they have a cash flow that allows them to pay high salaries to players.
HIGHLIGHTING GALATASARAY'S LAND SALES
The Telegraph wrote that Galatasaray's land sales have provided significant contributions to the club. It stated that the figures of the deals were not disclosed but were reported to be over £400 million. It was also recalled that Galatasaray sold the naming rights to Ali Sami Yen Stadium, and the stadium is now known as Rams Park. It also noted that the winning goal against Liverpool last season came from Victor Osimhen, the €75 million player whose transfer to Chelsea was once on the agenda.
EMPHASIS ON FENERBAHÇE'S TRANSFER INCOME
The review stated that Fenerbahçe's former president Ali Koç belongs to one of Turkey's wealthiest families, assessing that this has an impact on the club's economic power. While noting that Fenerbahçe has also been successful in discovering players and selling them for high profits, it was recalled that Ferdi Kadıoğlu transferred to Brighton for €30 million and Arda Güler to Real Madrid for €28 million.
SPONSORSHIP DETAIL IN SALAH TRANSFER
The Telegraph wrote that Mohamed Salah's transfer to Trabzonspor is expected to be financed through sponsorships. It highlighted that Trabzonspor has agreements with Turkish Airlines and electric car manufacturer Togg. The review also noted that immediately after Salah's signing, Turkish Airlines announced that direct flights between Cairo and Trabzon would begin. It also stated that Trabzonspor sold Christ Inao Oulai to Fiorentina for €26 million to strengthen its hand in the transfer market.
TURKEY'S FOOTBALL REPUTATION IS CHANGING
The Telegraph pointed out that in the past, moving to Turkey was often associated with the final stages of players' careers. It cited examples such as Robin van Persie's transfer to Fenerbahçe after winning the Premier League title with Manchester United, and Darius Vassell being greeted by fans when he arrived at Ankaragücü in 2009.
It also mentioned that in the past, there were stories of players' wages being delayed or not paid in full. It stated that there were instances where clubs looked for reasons not to make full payments if players were injured or fell out of favor.
In contrast, it noted that players are protected by a rule that allows them to obtain their registration and leave if they go unpaid for three months.
EXAMPLES OF ZAHA AND EDERSON
The British newspaper also wrote that Turkish clubs made a major push for high-profile transfers three years ago, but not all of these transfers were long-lasting.
It was recalled that Wilfried Zaha joined Galatasaray on a free transfer in 2023, but was loaned to Lyon the following season and to Charlotte FC of Major League Soccer last season.
It was noted that Brazilian goalkeeper Ederson has been widely reported to want to leave Fenerbahçe just one season after transferring from Manchester City. It was stated that Ederson was brought to the club during José Mourinho's tenure, while Mourinho was dismissed early in the season.