Besiktas director Onder Ozen announced that the Turkish football club has ceased negotiations with free agent Mohamed Salah, citing a deadlock in financial discussions. Ozen stated that while the club met with Salah's representatives three times, the process slowed significantly once financial terms were to be discussed starting July 21.
"Requests began to arrive that would both disrupt the flow of information and create a deadlock in the financial process," Ozen told Turkish media. He added that Besiktas's final offer, made under its own terms, is clear and will not be renegotiated. The club suggested Salah's representatives are in talks with another team, and they await a response to their offer.
Salah, 34, is a free agent this summer after agreeing with Liverpool to terminate the final year of his contract, concluding his tenure with the English club. Besiktas had reportedly approached the player, with club president Serdal Adali previously indicating they were awaiting a final decision.
Ozen clarified that the initial meetings with Salah were positive, but the financial negotiations became problematic. He suggested that an athlete of Salah's stature might be unaware of the specific demands causing the impasse. Besiktas maintains a strict club policy and will not deviate from it, with their president having clearly defined his stance. If a response to Besiktas's offer is received, it can be evaluated, but the club will not present a new proposal.
Salah also has reported interest from Major League Soccer, with Sporting Kansas City said to have made a lucrative two-year contract proposal. The club's policy and financial limitations mean they cannot exceed their current offer. Ozen emphasized that Besiktas's offer represents the final point that aligns with the club's identity without causing harm.