Waddle warns Salah faces tough Turkish Süper Lig adaptation

Mohamed Salah, 33, has been warned that adapting to the Turkish Süper Lig could prove difficult after his move to Trabzonspor. The Egypt international left Liverpool following nine years at the club, where he scored 257 goals and became one of its most celebrated players.

Former Tottenham midfielder Chris Waddle believes the transfer presents Salah with a demanding challenge. He said the Turkish league is more competitive than many expected after Salah’s departure from Liverpool, while also pointing out that several teams are stronger than Trabzonspor.

Waddle also highlighted the expectations surrounding a player of Salah’s reputation. Turkish supporters are known for demanding a quick return from high-profile signings, and patience can disappear if early performances do not match those expectations. That pressure will follow Salah as he begins his Trabzonspor career.

The move was unexpected after Salah had been linked with Saudi Arabia and Major League Soccer. Waddle’s view is that Trabzonspor’s offer was the best option available to the forward after the Saudi proposal, with the financial terms also described as highly rewarding.

Salah’s age is another factor in the assessment. Waddle noted that pace has been an important part of the Egyptian’s success throughout his career and suggested that the effects of time could influence how he performs in Turkey. The forward will therefore have to adjust not only to a new league but also to changing physical demands.

Salah had signed a lucrative two-year contract extension at Liverpool less than 18 months before leaving Anfield. During his nine-year spell, he established himself as a club legend and won every available trophy with the Merseyside side. His next challenge is to help Trabzonspor compete for the Turkish league title or a domestic cup, although Waddle said it remains uncertain whether he can make the decisive difference.