Besiktas halts talks with Mohamed Salah over financial demands

Turkish football club Besiktas has temporarily paused discussions with Egyptian superstar Mohamed Salah regarding a potential transfer, citing financial issues that have stalled negotiations. The club had reportedly reached an advanced stage in talks after Salah's departure from Liverpool.

Besiktas sporting director Onder Ozen stated that the club initially assessed the potential economic impact and commercial benefits before approaching Salah. "We contacted one of the biggest stars in world football, Mohamed Salah, and studied the possible financial returns of the deal. After determining that it would benefit the club, we began negotiations," Ozen told the Anadolu Agency.

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We contacted one of the biggest stars in world football, Mohamed Salah, and studied the possible financial returns of the deal. After determining that it would benefit the club, we began negotiations.

Reports suggested Besiktas offered the 34-year-old player a contract extending to 2027, with an option for an additional year, and a salary of approximately €12 million. Ozen confirmed that three meetings were held with Salah, and negotiations proceeded positively until financial matters became the focus on July 21, leading to a slowdown.

Ozen indicated that subsequent additional demands complicated the talks. He suggested that Salah himself might not have been fully aware of all the details, as players typically do not handle such negotiations directly. The club's pause in talks indicates a significant hurdle in securing the high-profile player.

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Salah is a global star and a respected athlete. Everything was moving smoothly until discussions turned to financial matters on July 21, when the pace of negotiations slowed.