Besiktas reportedly turned to fierce Istanbul rivals Galatasaray for inspiration as they try to save their ambitious move for Egyptian superstar Mohamed Salah, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Turkish giants are said to have contacted Galatasaray to understand how the club built the commercial structure around Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen after completing his permanent €75 million transfer from Napoli. The aim was to find a solution to negotiations that stalled over Salah's wage package and merchandising demands.
According to reports, Besiktas made a final two-year offer worth more than €40 million. The proposal included a guaranteed salary of €15 million per season, with performance-related bonuses that could add another €4 million each year.
However, talks reportedly broke down because Salah's representatives wanted an unusual agreement that would allow the player to receive a share of shirt sales linked directly to his name. Besiktas also faced demands over agent commissions, making the financial package even more complicated.
The club's football director, Önder Özen, has made it clear that Besiktas will not go beyond its financial limits just to complete the transfer.
Besiktas: Osimhen blueprint offered possible solution as Salah weighs other options
Galatasaray's strategy with Barcelona-linked Victor Osimhen is an inventive commercial project like no other on the continent. Instead of changing the normal revenue-sharing agreement for replica shirts, the club reportedly created a premium collector's product known as the “Solo Il Gala Osimhen Box.” The limited-edition package includes a specially numbered jersey, a replica five-star facial mask, a custom scarf and a QR code that gives supporters exclusive digital content.
Each box was priced at €215, with Galatasaray producing around 100,000 units. Reports suggest that selling approximately 78,250 boxes generated enough revenue to cover Osimhen's reported annual net salary of €15 million, making the striker's wages largely self-funded through commercial sales.
Osimhen's contract is also believed to include a separate €5 million annual image-rights package, supported by sponsorship agreements and other commercial income, reducing the financial pressure on the club.
Besiktas explored whether a similar premium merchandise campaign could satisfy Salah's camp without changing the club's traditional retail structure. However, the two parties have stalled over an agreement that works for all.
If the negotiations cannot be revived, Salah already has several attractive alternatives. Saudi Pro League clubs, including Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad, remain capable of offering tax-free salaries that comfortably exceed the figures discussed in Turkey.
Major League Soccer is another serious option. Sporting Kansas City have reportedly submitted a proposal, while San Diego FC continue to be linked because of the involvement of British-Egyptian businessman Sir Mohamed Mansour, who is keen to bring the Egyptian icon to the United States.
Ironically, Galatasaray themselves have also emerged as potential contenders. After successfully building the commercial model around Osimhen, the Turkish champions are reportedly considering using a similar merchandising strategy if they decide to make their own move for Salah.
