Mo Salah makes unusual request to Trabzonspor board as arrives to complete move

Mo Salah's unusual first request to Trabzonspor has been revealed after the former Liverpool star flew in to complete his move to the Turkish Super Lig side.

Salah left Liverpool after nine trophy-laden years, leaving on a free a year prior to his contract's initial expiration date.

He officially became a free agent on 30 June during the World Cup and reportedly had interest from a whole host of clubs in Europe, Saudi Arabia and beyond.

But the 34-year-old has decided to sign for Trabzonspor ahead of fellow Turkish side Besiktas, who also showed interest in Salah.

Salah left his post-World Cup holiday in Greece on a private jet to Istanbul, where he will undergo a medical and sign his contract.

Speaking to A Sport, Trabzonspor president Ertugrul Dogan called Salah a "world star" and stressed that the club "needed a player like him".

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The club know how big a deal his addition is and have even veered away from their usual way of operating in order to secure his services.

According to Turkish newspaper 61 Saat, Salah asked that the club's board pay part of his salary in advance and they immediately agreed to the demand.

Salah is set to sign a two-year deal until 2028 and will become the club's highest-paid player in their entire history, with reports claiming that he will pocket €17 million net per year in the Black Sea region.

Why Mo Salah was seen wearing the No.61 shirt as he completes Trabzonspor?

Salah was mobbed by fans upon arrival Istanbul, sporting Trabzonspor's new home shirt and enjoying the crazy reception he received.

Pictures of him in his new colours on a private jet were shared on social media by Trabzonspor, with Salah turning around to reveal his name on the back with the No.61.

The number surprised many given Salah is commonly associated with the No.11 and No.11 shirts. But with no confirmation from the club, it's emerged that Salah will not be wearing the No.61 for the club.

Mo Salah wears the No.61 on his shirt. Image: Trabzonspor

The No.61 is actually the code for vehicle registration in the the province of Trabzon and holds huge significance in the city.

The club's official website says the number is "the most symbolic" and Salah has endeared himself to his new fanbase by buying into the identity of the city.

Both the No.11 and No.10 are currently occupied at Trabzonspor, meaning a player would need to leave or give up the number for Salah to get his dream digit.

Trabzonspor are currently preparing for the new season, which kicks off on 15 August with a clash against Kasimpasa.

They are not in the Champions League this season but their squad is filled with a number of notable names.

Goalkeeper Andre Onana will spend a second season on loan from Manchester United, while former Sheffield United and Rangers midfielder John Lundstram is on the books after signing in 2024.

Everton youth product Lundstram spent last season on loan at Hull City.

Other new teammates of Salah's include former Manchester City and Atletico Madrid defender Stefan Savic, giant striker Paul Onuachu of Southampton fame and Sidney Lopes Cabral, scorer of Goal of the Tournament at the World Cup after his stunner for Cape Verde vs Argentina.