Besiktas Talks with Mo Salah Stall Over Commercial Rights Dispute

Negotiations between Mohamed Salah and Turkish giants Besiktas have reportedly reached a standstill after disagreements over commercial and image rights, despite the two sides nearing an agreement on the financial terms of a potential contract.

According to Turkish reports, Besiktas decided to freeze discussions after receiving what club officials described as unprecedented commercial demands from Salah and his agent, Ramy Abbas. 

While the club's offer remains on the table, talks have been suspended as both parties reassess their positions.

Besiktas sporting director Onder Özen revealed that the club held several meetings with Salah and his representatives to present the sporting project and long-term vision before entering detailed contract negotiations. 

Although an agreement was reportedly reached regarding salary and bonuses, discussions became more complicated when the focus shifted to marketing and image rights.

Özen explained that Besiktas were willing to offer Salah a percentage of shirt sales, a common arrangement in high-profile transfers. 

However, the negotiations reportedly broke down after Salah's camp requested additional commercial privileges that the club has never granted to any player.

According to Turkish newspaper Sabah, Besiktas offered the Egyptian forward a package worth nearly €20 million per year, including performance-related bonuses. 

The report also claimed that Ramy Abbas reduced his commission request from €7.5 million to €5 million during negotiations.

The main obstacle reportedly involved commercial revenue. Salah's representatives are said to have requested 50 percent of the club's share from sales of all products associated with the player in Turkey, including shirts and merchandise, as well as full profits from sales of Salah-branded products in the Egyptian market.

Besiktas reportedly viewed those demands as excessive, particularly because the projected commercial income could eventually match the value of the player's annual salary if marketing targets were met.

Despite the setback, Salah's future remains undecided. Reports indicate that the Egyptian star is scheduled to hold a key meeting with his agent to evaluate all available offers, including proposals from clubs in the Saudi Pro League, Major League Soccer, and the Turkish Super Lig.

A final decision on the next chapter of Salah's career is expected in the coming days as interested clubs continue to await his response.