Reports from Turkey suggest that Super Lig competitors Trabzonspor have initiated discussions with Pep Guardiola, with the team aiming to build on their momentum following the acquisition of Liverpool icon Mohamed Salah.
The two figures clashed for nearly a decade in the Premier League, during which Salah managed to wrestle the English championship away from Guardiola’s Manchester City on two occasions.
At present, it seems possible that the Egyptian star and the Spanish tactician could unite in the Super Lig, as reports from Turkish outlets indicate that Guardiola has been presented with a €13 million yearly wage package to take the reins at Trabzonspor.
Pep Guardiola might team up with Mohamed Salah in a sensational Super Lig transfer
Even though Salah kicked off his campaign in fine form—netting four times and setting up another goal across three starting appearances in the Super Lig—Trabzonspor suffered a painful elimination from the Europa League.
This exit came at the hands of Ferencvaros, who comprehensively defeated Salah’s club 5-0 on aggregate over two legs in the qualifying stage. Following the debacle, the team’s head coach at the time and former player, Faith Tekke, tendered his resignation immediately.
Although the club’s directors initially turned down Tekke’s resignation, his team suffered a 2-1 away defeat to newly-promoted Amed in the next match. Consequently, his departure was approved, and now, according to Turkish news outlet Gusholder Haber Bulteni, the Super Lig outfit has entered negotiations with Guardiola.
During their debut match following Tekke’s exit, Trabzonspor cruised to a dominant 5-0 victory over Genclerbirligi at Papara Park. The goals were provided by Paul Onuachu, Ernest Muci, Salah, and their recently acquired player Franculino Dju.
In their quest for the league title—a goal Trabzonspor is highly driven to reach this season as rivals Galatasaray chase a record-breaking fifth straight Turkish championship—Salah’s team has unexpectedly targeted Guardiola to lead them.
This update from Gusholder Haber Bulteni has subsequently been shared across various digital platforms by Trabzonspor’s own media channels and alternative Turkish publications.
From the perspective of FourFourTwo, it is highly improbable that the Spanish coach will migrate to the Super Lig, though it remains a situation worth monitoring. Given that he has secured nearly every major trophy available, and considering Trabzonspor is establishing itself as a financial heavyweight capable of dominating Turkish football under proper leadership, this ambitious venture could capture Guardiola’s interest.
Back in 2022, Trabzonspor secured their first league championship since 1984. Out of 78 teams that have participated in the tournament’s history, only six have ever lifted the trophy, with Salah’s current squad ranking fourth in total championships with seven titles.
Galatasaray leads with 26 championships, followed by Fenerbahce with 19, and Besiktas with 16 league titles. If there is a team equipped to challenge this established Istanbul monopoly, it is undoubtedly Trabzonspor, who find themselves in an ideal spot to mount a challenge.
Having previously transformed Manchester City from mid-table Premier League contenders into the second-most decorated side in that division’s modern era, Guardiola might find the prospect of replicating such a journey in Turkey highly appealing.
However, the proposed financial terms might present an obstacle, given that the manager reportedly took home upwards of £20 million per year during his tenure in England. By comparison, a €13 million salary to coach in Turkey seems significantly less lucrative.
Although such a move seems highly speculative for now, many fans would relish the chance to witness Guardiola and Salah collaborate for even a single season, especially given their historic contributions to the game.
