Former Arsenal, Manchester City and Real Madrid striker Emmanuel Adebayor has defended Mohamed Salah’s decision to join Trabzonspor, saying the Egyptian forward can continue to make history in Turkey.
Salah moved to the Turkish club on a contract running until 2028 after ending his long and successful spell with Liverpool at the conclusion of the 2025-26 season.
The transfer has generated debate in European football, with some questioning whether moving to the Turkish league represents a step down for a player of Salah’s stature.
One of the most prominent critics has been former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher. The Reds legend argued that Salah would have been better suited to remaining in one of Europe’s leading leagues, with Italian clubs such as AC Milan or Juventus mentioned as possible alternatives.
Carragher also suggested that Salah’s reported salary of €17m a year at Trabzonspor could have made the move financially difficult for clubs in the other major European leagues outside England.
Adebayor, however, has taken a different view.
The Togolese football great, who has his own experience of Turkish football after spells with Istanbul Basaksehir and Kayserispor, believes the Turkish league is not given sufficient recognition elsewhere in Europe.
Speaking to French website Top Mercato, Adebayor said: “I am very happy to see Mohamed Salah in Turkey. He will continue to write the history of African football in this country. Victor Osimhen has done great things with Galatasaray over the past two seasons, and I have been here before, as has Didier Drogba. It is a league that is not appreciated enough in Europe, yet it is very competitive and has good players in all teams, and the proof of that is the success of Turkish clubs in achieving good results in Europe.”
Adebayor pointed to the achievements of other African stars in Turkey as evidence that Salah can make a significant impact in the competition.
Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen has enjoyed a successful spell with Galatasaray, while Didier Drogba also previously played in the Turkish league.
For Adebayor, Salah’s arrival adds another major African name to a competition he believes deserves greater respect.
Adebayor backs Salah to thrive
The former striker also believes Salah’s transition to Turkish football should be helped by the atmosphere inside the stadiums.
Salah spent nine seasons at Liverpool, where he became accustomed to playing in front of passionate supporters at Anfield. Adebayor expects the Egyptian to find a similar level of enthusiasm in Turkey.
On Salah’s ability to settle into his new surroundings, he said: “Mohamed Salah will flourish and shine in Turkey, amidst an enthusiastic crowd that creates a noisy atmosphere just as it was in Liverpool. At this point, he will not feel any alienation at all. I wish him all the best and success.”
Salah has already had his first opportunity to experience that environment.
The Egyptian made his Trabzonspor debut last Saturday in the opening round of the Turkish league against Kasimpasa.
He entered the match as a substitute in the 57th minute with the score level at 1-1.
Although Salah is still working towards full physical fitness, he quickly showed signs of his attacking quality after coming on.
The forward created danger with a well-delivered cross and also produced a powerful attempt that narrowly missed the post.
He did not score on his debut, meaning his first Trabzonspor goal will have to wait for another occasion.
Salah’s next challenge
Attention will now turn to Trabzonspor’s European campaign, with Salah expected to play an important role as the club prepare for the first leg of their Europa League play-off against Hungarian side Ferencvaros next Thursday.
The match at home will provide Salah with another opportunity to demonstrate what he can offer his new club as he continues to regain his physical condition.
His arrival at Trabzonspor marks a new stage in a career that has already included a lengthy period at Liverpool and a reputation as one of African football’s leading players.
While the decision to move to Turkey has divided opinion, Adebayor believes Salah’s presence can enhance both the player and the league.
The Togolese legend’s argument is that the quality and competitiveness of Turkish football should not be underestimated, particularly given the performances of its clubs in European competitions.
Salah’s first appearance has already offered an early glimpse of his influence, despite his limited time on the pitch.
He created an opportunity, tested the goalkeeper with a powerful effort and immediately provided Trabzonspor supporters with reasons for optimism.
The Egyptian now has the chance to build on that introduction as he becomes more accustomed to his new teammates and surroundings.
For Adebayor, there is little doubt that Salah can succeed.
The former Premier League and La Liga striker believes Turkey provides the right environment for the Egyptian to add another chapter to his career and continue the tradition of African stars making their mark in the country.
