Why Mohamed Salah chose Trabzonspor over Saudi Arabia and MLS, and what the move means for him and Turkish football.

After months of speculation, Mohamed Salah's next destination has finally been confirmed. The Liverpool legend agreed a two-year deal, external with Turkish side Trabzonspor on Thursday following the expiry of his contract at Anfield, bringing an end to one of the most successful careers in Premier League history. For years, Saudi Pro League clubs pursued Salah, while Major League Soccer was also viewed as a realistic destination for one of world football's biggest stars. Instead, the 34-year-old has remained in Europe by joining Trabzonspor, a club better known for upsetting Turkey's established order than dominating it. So why has Salah chosen Trabzonspor, and what can both player and club expect from one another? Money alone does not explain Salah's decision. Saudi Arabian clubs had long identified the Egyptian as one of their priority targets, with Al-Ittihad even making a late approach, while Sporting Kansas City were among the MLS clubs interested in bringing him to the United States. Both destinations could have offered enormous monetary rewards. Instead, Salah opted to stick with European football. He will be very well paid in Turkey. In a posting to the Turkish stock exchange, Trabzonspor confirmed he will be paid £14.5m per season and will receive a 20% share of revenue from Salah-branded merchandise. Trabzonspor finished third in last season's Super Lig and will compete in this month's Europa League play-offs. Victory over two legs would see them qualify for the league phase, while defeat would send them into the Conference League.