Algerian sports commentator Hafiz Draji has criticised Mohamed Salah’s decision to join Trabzonspor, saying the former Liverpool forward could have continued competing at the highest level and chosen a club better suited to his ambitions.
Draji made the comments after Salah’s first appearance for Trabzonspor, who began their Turkish league campaign with a 1-1 draw against Kasımpasa. Salah came on in the 59th minute to make his debut for his new side.
Writing on Facebook, Draji summed up his reaction with the words: “What a shame.”
The commentator said Salah still had the ability to remain at the top level for several more years. In his view, a move to a Turkish club such as Galatasaray or Fenerbahce would have offered the Egypt international stronger competition, greater pressure and a more prominent presence in European football.
Draji acknowledged the financial and popular appeal of Trabzonspor, but argued that the club did not, from a sporting perspective, match the status Salah established during his years with Liverpool.
Salah’s period at Liverpool placed him among the leading players in world football, and Draji suggested that his next move should have reflected that standing more closely. He said the forward could have selected a different destination that would have presented him with a greater footballing challenge at this stage of his career.
The comments came as Salah’s transfer to Trabzonspor generated widespread attention. His arrival has attracted particular interest because of the reputation he built during a highly successful spell with Liverpool, making each new step in his career a subject of close scrutiny from supporters, analysts and other sports commentators.
Despite questioning the choice of club, Draji did not suggest that Salah had lost his influence or quality. Instead, he maintained that the player’s move represented a missed opportunity to take on a more demanding challenge.
Salah’s first appearance for Trabzonspor came in the opening match of the Turkish league season against Kasımpasa. His introduction in the second half marked the beginning of his time with the club, although the match ended level at 1-1.
For Draji, the issue is therefore not whether Salah remains capable of performing at a high level, but whether Trabzonspor provides the competitive environment that best reflects what he has achieved. The Algerian commentator believes clubs such as Galatasaray or Fenerbahce would have offered a stronger test, along with a clearer route back into the European spotlight.
The transfer is expected to remain a talking point among fans and commentators as Salah begins his new chapter in Turkey.
