August 6, 2026 Transfer Roundup: Salah Joins Trabzonspor, Key Moves for Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray
The first week of August turned into one of the busiest transfer stretches of the summer for Turkish football. While the biggest shock of the window came with Mohamed Salah's move to Trabzonspor, Istanbul giants Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray were also busy strengthening their squads. Here are the standout developments from August 1-6, 2026.
Mohamed Salah Joins Trabzonspor
The most sensational story of the summer arrived courtesy of Liverpool legend Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian star completed a free transfer to Trabzonspor after his contract at Anfield expired. Salah landed at Istanbul Atatürk Airport on August 5 and was greeted by an ecstatic crowd of fans as he prepared to finalize the move. Reports indicate the star signed a two-year deal worth roughly $19.6 million annually. The 33-year-old, whose output had dipped in his final Liverpool season, sparked major reaction in both Turkish and international media with the switch.
Fenerbahçe Close to Sealing Ismaila Sarr
Fenerbahçe made a significant push on the wing. The Yellow-Blues reportedly reached personal terms with Crystal Palace's Senegalese winger Ismaila Sarr. Confirmed by Italian outlets as well, Fenerbahçe found common ground with the player's representatives and are now working to finalize the transfer fee with the Premier League club. The 28-year-old delivered 33 goals and 10 assists in 43 official appearances for Crystal Palace last season.
Fenerbahçe Eyeing Endrick
Fenerbahçe are reportedly in the mix for Real Madrid's young Brazilian forward Endrick, who has struggled for playing time in Madrid. Spanish media report that the player's agent is seeking a new European club, with a meeting with Fenerbahçe officials planned in the coming days. A loan deal is said to be on the table, though the player's camp is seeking playing-time guarantees, which could complicate negotiations. As of August 5, no official agreement or signature has been confirmed by either club.
Beşiktaş Turn to Brahim Diaz
After stepping back from the Mohamed Salah race due to high image-rights and merchandising demands, Beşiktaş shifted their right-wing search toward Real Madrid's Moroccan attacker Brahim Diaz. The Black-and-Whites reportedly inquired about the financial terms for the 26-year-old, whose contract expires next season. Diaz, also said to be on Galatasaray's radar, reportedly had his agent invited to Istanbul for talks — though Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho's stance is described as the biggest obstacle to any deal.
Galatasaray Shake Hands With Batrakov
Galatasaray made concrete progress in their search for a new No. 10. Club management reportedly reached a principle agreement on contract terms with Lokomotiv Moscow's 21-year-old talent Aleksey Batrakov. Galatasaray have sent an official letter of interest to the Russian club, with attention now turning to fee negotiations. Batrakov, valued at around €28 million, produced 17 goals and 12 assists in 36 appearances last season.
Real Sociedad Enter Race for Nathan Zeze
Galatasaray have also been exploring a loan-with-option deal for NEOM SC's French center-back Nathan Zeze to bolster their defense. However, Spanish outlets report that La Liga side Real Sociedad have entered the race for the 21-year-old, with Inter Milan, Crystal Palace, Bournemouth, Everton and Al-Hilal also said to be monitoring the situation. Zeze reportedly has yet to decide on his future.
With Turkey's summer window remaining open until September 4, further developments on these fronts are expected in the coming days. Transfer news can change rapidly; please follow official announcements.