Mo Salah is ‘better than Turkey’ and could have moved to more prestigious clubs than Trabzonspor, claims Jamie Carragher. 

On Wednesday, Salah was given an extraordinary reception by 25,000 jubilant fans at Trabzon airport ahead of putting pen to paper on a two-year deal. 

Supporters let off flares and rolled out the red carpet for the most high-profile addition in club history.  

The Liverpool legend, who left the Reds this summer a year into his two-year contract extension, had been deliberating for some time over his next destination. 

Carragher felt Salah might want to keep testing himself at the highest level he could, in one of Europe’s top leagues. 

He told the Football Ramble: ‘I never believed he was going to go to Saudi, because number one, he’s too good for that. I think he can be playing in Serie A. Turkey for me feels a level too low. 

Thousands of Trabzonspor supporters gathered to greet Mo Salah after he landed 

There were extraordinary scenes to welcome the biggest signing in Trabzonspor history

‘I was convinced he’d end up at an AC Milan or Juventus or somewhere like that, maybe his wages were a problem. Looking at him, I don’t know him, obviously have never spoken to him. 

‘But he’s like Ronaldo, he’s so driven, his numbers mean so much to him. I thought, he can still do this in Turkey by the way, but I thought he’d want to play at a real prestigious club. 

He went on: ‘Obviously his wage demands have put a few people off but I thought he might almost curb those demands a little bit to almost get a better club. 

‘To go to an AC Milan or Juventus or whoever it may be, play at the San Siro, still playing in big games, still playing in Europe. Turkey just feels like… I just think he’s better than that.’

Salah was given an extraordinary welcome by Trabzonspor fans, with tens of thousands greeting him at Trabzon airport. 

The Egyptian wore a broad smile and lapped up the acclaim as flares were set off and supporters celebrated into the night. 

Salah was adorned in Trabzonspor gear and wore a scarf around his neck as he addressed the crowds.

He said: ‘I honestly can’t even remember if I’ve seen something like this before. I’m very happy to be here. There are 25,000 fans, it’s UNBELIEVABLE!’ 

‘I’m incredibly happy to be in this incredible atmosphere. Have I seen something like this before… I honestly can’t remember. Seeing this kind of love and attention makes me so happy.’

‘I’ll work very hard to achieve success in the league and in Europe. Because I’ve won successes at every club I’ve joined. I’ve always been a successful footballer. And that’s what I’ll do here too.’

Earlier on Wednesday, Salah was pictured on a jet ahead of his impending signing wearing a Trabzonspor shirt, featuring his name and the number 61 – which is regularly used as a symbol of the city and the club. 

Trabzonspor had invited their supporters to pay to join a live stream following Salah’s flight to Turkey, as fans gathered outside the Ataturk Airport ahead of his arrival.

A private jet took off from Mykonos Airport around 10.30am as Salah began his journey. 

Turkish giants Besiktas were understood to be the Egyptian’s first choice but talks with them stalled last week. 

Trabzonspor revealed their talks with Salah on Tuesday night, with the club informing their 1.9million followers on X of his travel arrangements, as well as telling fans a welcome programme would be in place.

Salah’s future has been the subject of huge interest since the surprising decision was announced back in March that he would leave Liverpool one year into his two-year contract extension. 

It was pandemonium in the Turkish city after the club announced the travel details of Salah

The Turkish side rolled out the red carpet for the former Liverpool winger 

Many anticipated that Saudi Arabia would be the most likely destination after Al-Ittihad made a £150million bid in summer 2023. 

But Trabzonspor are now set to sign the winger, who fell out with Arne Slot at Anfield last term. 

The Turkish side finished third last season behind Fenerbahce and champions Galatasaray. 

Salah, who is the third-highest goalscorer in Reds history with 255, did not engage in talks with teams before the end of the season out of respect to the Merseyside club. 

Salah will be the most high-profile signing in Trabzonspor’s history and when his move is confirmed, will join Man United loanee Andre Onana. 

Ex-Man City defender Stefan Savic also plays for the Turkish side, who have won their domestic title seven times.