For many years, China was willing to pay big money both in transfers and salaries to bring in the biggest stars. – There seemed to be no limits. – But then the union tightened and the pre-retirement scheme was defended. – Then Saudi Arabia came on the scene and there was also huge money in play. This is still the case, but economic realities have also begun to make themselves felt.
Now Turkey signs up as the next giant outside the five big leagues.
– the big clubs bring in stars like Vlahovic, Lukaku and Salah
Turkey’s biggest clubs have taken steps to break Galatasaray’s dominance – with signings that make eyes roll. Dusan Vlahovic, Romelu Lukaku and Mohamed Salah are all on their way to the Turkish league in a transfer window that puts the league on the world map.
Besiktas, Fenerbahce and Trabzonspor have used this summer’s market to sign profiles who were recently stars in Europe’s biggest leagues. The goal is one: to take down Galatasaray.
Tottenham are making another giant purchase!
Vlahovic to Besiktas – free
Dusan Vlahovic, 26, has signed for Besiktas as a free agent after his contract with Juventus expired. The deal extends until 2029, with an annual salary of around 8 million euros – plus bonuses that can send the sum up to 10 million in the first year.
The Serbian scored 10 goals in 23 appearances for Juventus last season, and was also linked with Barcelona and Atlético Madrid before choosing Istanbul.
Lukaku to Fenerbahce – cheap and short-term
Romelu Lukaku, 33, has taken a completely different route. The Belgian moves from Napoli to Fenerbahce for around €6 million plus variables – and signs for one season with an option for one more year.
Lukaku was hampered by injury at Napoli – only 7 games – but showed himself in the World Cup with 3 goals in 5 games for Belgium. Now he will help Fenerbahce take the step up, after the club has already invested 68 million euros in the summer’s transfers.
Salah to Trabzonspor – the star signing
The most spectacular signing is Mohamed Salah. The 34-year-old left Liverpool after nine seasons and joins Trabzonspor as a free agent. The agreement extends over two years, and the salary is around 17 million euros net per year – including bonuses, image rights and more.
Salah finished his Liverpool career with 257 goals in 442 appearances – but last season in England was less productive: 7 goals and 7 assists in 27 games.
Trabzonspor doesn’t stop there. The club is also chasing Darwin Núñez – the 27-year-old who belongs to Al-Hilal, but who has been left out of plans in Saudi Arabia. A reunion with Salah would give Trabzonspor a former Liverpool attack at the top.
Transfer window open until 4 September
The Turkish league’s transfer window is open until September 4, and with Darwin Núñez on the block, there could be even more stars. Salah’s arrival has already put Turkish football on a whole new level of international attention. The question is whether this is the start of a new era – or just a season of stardust.
Kristian Thorstvedt is tempted by David de Gea and “old” coach Fabio Grosso
