Besiktas are confident of announcing a deal for Mohamed Salah in the coming days.
The Turkish Super Lig side have been in negotiations with the Liverpool legend over a two-year deal, but faced a late stumbling block over commission fees for his agent.
Salah is set to earn around £10million per-year, down from the £14m at Liverpool.
Besiktas secure Ronaldo style deal to get Salah signed
According to leading Turkish outlet Daily Sabah, Besiktas have also sought a ‘Cristiano Ronaldo-style’ deal from his time at Juventus where sponsors cover a portion of the wages.
They add that president Serdal Adalı has been personally leading negotiations and recently met with Salah, who is keen on the move.
However, his agent, Ramy Abbas, is asking for around £4m in commission, which the club deem disproportionate.
Club officials were contacted about the story, and denied that a deal had been done, but confirmed negotiations are ongoing.
Salah would be one of the biggest signings in Super Lig history, despite being aged 34, and would boost BJK’s profile as one of the most famous athletes on the planet.
Besiktas’ mega summer window
The move represents an ambitious summer for Besiktas who have already signed two European stars at the peak of their powers.
Alexander Nubel has joined from Bayern Munich and Leandro Trossard from Premier League champions Arsenal.
Orkun Kokcu is another big signing from Benfica, while Vincenzo Italiano has also joined as head coach after emerging as one of the top new coaches in Italian football.
Salah will be in Istanbul on August 2nd for a music concert, but BJK will hope to have the deal finalised by then.
While Salah remains their top target, Besiktas have also identified Joe Willock, Leo Pereira, Igor Julio and Johan Bakayoko as the next on their list.
BJK were last Super Lig champions in 2021, and have since dropped behind Galatasaray and Fenerbahce in Istanbul’s top three, but such a window could quickly change things.
Salah had earlier been linked to the Saudi Pro League and MLS, but was warned against leaving Europe.
Salah warned against leaving Europe
Egypt national team sporting director Ibrahim Hassan said: “Personally, I’d prefer him to stay in Europe.
“I’ve heard about offers from Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, and clubs in the Italian league.
“A move to Major League Baseball? [joking] He’d be too far out of the spotlight.
“You won’t even remember Salah anymore, just like I don’t remember (Lionel) Messi; I don’t even try to watch him play.”
Yet if Europe doesn’t work out, Hassan sees Saudi as a good back-up.
“If he doesn’t receive offers from Europe, a transfer to the Saudi league would be a good option, especially with big names like Cristiano (Ronaldo),” he finished.
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