Mohamed Salah’s Besiktas Transfer Talks Collapse

Besiktas shifts focus from Mohamed Salah to Rafael Leao as contract negotiations face significant roadblocks.

Besiktas’ ambitious attempt to secure Mohamed Salah as a free agent has encountered a major roadblock, prompting the Turkish giants to look for alternatives in Serie A. The Egyptian star had been extensively linked with a move to Istanbul following the end of his contract with Liverpool, but internal disagreements have hindered the negotiations, leading Besiktas to consider AC Milan’s Rafael Leao instead.

The latest developments indicate that discussions regarding Salah have reached a crucial impasse. Besiktas’ leadership has confirmed a suspension of talks, despite earlier optimism about signing the Egyptian international, who became available after his Liverpool contract expired on June 30. Initially, the club was prepared to offer a staggering €12.5 million annually to secure his signature.

Besiktas sporting director Onder Ozen recently addressed the situation, revealing the complexity surrounding the negotiations. “For a while now, speculation about Mohamed Salah has increased. The matter has been discussed from every angle. There are things we want to clarify regarding it. We made contact with Salah. That also included a model for financing the deal,” Ozen stated.

Communication breakdowns seem to stem from the club’s commitment to stay within financial and legal boundaries. Ozen added that discussions shifted dramatically as the new season’s deadline approached. “When talk of the financial side began, that smoothness which had been there on the first day started to slow down as of July 21. Requests began to arrive that would drive the flow of information and the financial side into a dead end,” he explained.

Ozen emphasized Besiktas’ unwillingness to engage in any illegal commission payments or unsustainable financial arrangements, which are crucial to the integrity of the club. “Working in the field of player management is legal, and there is a legal value for the commission, and exceeding it may involve an illegal situation. When it comes to Besiktas, not entering into such a situation is also among the requirements of belonging to the club. The president has taken an unpopular decision and has decided to withdraw temporarily from the negotiating table in the Salah deal,” Ozen noted.

As the Salah deal hangs in the balance, Besiktas have wasted no time in seeking a secondary target. They’ve reportedly opened communication with AC Milan about the availability of Leao. While Leao plays a similar role on the flanks, he is viewed as a younger, more dynamic option that could adapt well to the tactical setup.

However, transitioning from a free agent like Salah to a contracted player such as Leao presents unique financial hurdles. Milan’s position has been clear: they will only consider a complete cash sale without any temporary solutions. The expected transfer fee for Leao ranges between €50 million and €60 million.

Moreover, acquiring Leao will demand more than just meeting Milan’s transfer fee. The player himself is known to have high expectations for any potential move that takes him away from the interest of Europe’s elite leagues. Reports indicate that Leao is seeking a salary of at least €8 million per season, alongside performance-related bonuses, which poses a significant commitment for any Turkish club. Nonetheless, Besiktas appear undeterred as they continue their search for a marquee signing.

It’s worth noting that interest in Leao isn’t limited to Besiktas; other Turkish clubs such as Galatasaray and Fenerbahce have also expressed interest. However, it appears that the “Black Eagles” are focusing on their formal approach to Milan to secure an advantage in this ongoing race.