Turkish giants Beşiktaş JK have placed negotiations to sign Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah on hold after failing to reach an agreement over financial terms.
Salah has been a free agent since officially ending his highly successful spell with Liverpool FC on June 30, attracting interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia, the United States and Turkey.
Beşiktaş had emerged as a surprise contender for the Egyptian captain, with the Istanbul club exploring a potential move to bring the global star to Turkey.
However, football director Önder Özen has revealed that discussions have stalled due to disagreements over the financial structure of the proposed deal.
Speaking at a press conference, Özen explained that the club had conducted extensive discussions with Salah and his representatives before talks reached the financial stage.
“We contacted Mohamed Salah, and that included the financing system. He is a global star and a distinguished athlete. We conducted a marketing study about him: how many shirts will be sold? How many will be consumed abroad?”
Özen revealed that Beşiktaş held three meetings with Salah, including discussions about the club’s sporting project and tactical plans with head coach.
“We contacted him three times before discussing the financial aspect of the negotiations. We met with him twice to explain the project, while the coach met with him once to discuss tactical matters.”
According to Özen, negotiations progressed positively initially but slowed down once financial demands became the main issue.
“Up until that point, things went smoothly, but since we started discussing the financial aspect, the pace of negotiations slowed down starting on July 21.”
The Beşiktaş official also claimed that additional demands involving image rights contributed to the breakdown in discussions, although he acknowledged Salah’s representatives were entitled to negotiate.
Özen insisted that the club would not abandon its financial principles to complete a high-profile signing.
“The club has a firm policy that cannot be deviated from. Our president clarified his position and adhered to it.”
