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Mohamed Salah is no longer an active transfer target for Besiktas after the Turkish club decided to step away from negotiations, citing financial demands that it said would compromise its institutional principles.
Speaking at a press briefing at the club's Nevzat Demir training facilities, Football Director Onder Ozen outlined Besiktas' transfer strategy and explained why talks with the Egyptian forward had been put on hold.
Ozen said Besiktas had approached Salah because of both his footballing ability and his commercial value, describing the Liverpool star as one of the world's leading players. However, he said negotiations ultimately broke down over the financial conditions presented by Salah's representative.
According to Ozen, the player's agent was entitled to request a legal commission, but the club would not accept demands that went beyond what it considered acceptable. He said club president Serdal Adali had chosen to walk away rather than make what he described as a populist decision at the expense of Besiktas' values.
He added that the Salah file had been shelved for the time being.
Although Ozen stopped short of declaring the transfer permanently over, he made clear that Besiktas would not submit another proposal.
He said the club's latest offer represented "the last point that does not damage Besiktas' identity," adding that if Salah's camp responded positively, the proposal could still be assessed. However, he stressed that there would be no improved bid and that the club would not grant one individual privileges unavailable to any other player or employee.
Ozen also noted that Salah's representatives had informed Besiktas they were in talks elsewhere.
Explaining the club's broader recruitment plan, Ozen said Besiktas had divided the transfer window into three stages. The first focused on filling priority gaps in the squad, while the second is aimed at strengthening the team further before registration deadlines. The final phase will focus on market opportunities until the transfer window closes.
He also dismissed suggestions that recent inactivity reflected a slowdown in recruitment, saying the timetable had been planned in advance.
Looking ahead, Ozen said head coach Vincenzo Italiano still wants reinforcements on the right wing, in midfield and defense, while the club is also holding talks with an under-23 player. He acknowledged supporters' expectations for a new striker, adding that the club would try to address that position as well.
Ozen also commented on Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic, saying the Serbian international remains free to choose his next destination.
He said Vlahovic was likely to prioritize one of Europe's five major leagues and a club competing in the UEFA Champions League, making any move to Besiktas uncertain. Still, Ozen said the club would evaluate the situation if an opportunity emerged, noting that the striker had previously enjoyed a successful season under Italiano and maintained mutual respect with the coach.
Earlier reports cited by Turkish media said negotiations with Salah had also stalled over image rights and the distribution of revenue from shirt sales, with agent Ramy Abbas seeking a larger share. Besiktas reportedly refused to alter its position, arguing that such terms would upset the club's financial balance.
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