Mikel Obi issues Salah warning despite ‘crazy’ Trabzonspor welcome

Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah. In picture: Jamie Carragher and John Obi Mikel. [Photo Credit/ Imago].

Former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel has warned Mohamed Salah that the passionate Trabzonspor supporters who gave him a remarkable welcome will expect plenty in return, Soccernet.ng reports.

Salah completed his move to the Turkish club after ending his long association with Liverpool, immediately becoming one of the biggest names in the Süper Lig.

The Egyptian winger was greeted by thousands of Trabzonspor supporters upon his arrival, with the scale of the reception highlighting the excitement surrounding his move.

Mikel, who previously played for Trabzonspor, has now offered Salah an insight into what life could be like at the Black Sea club.

Get Our Sports News First – Join Our WhatsApp Channel Now!

Soccer Mikel Obi explains what awaits Salah at Trabzonspor

The former Nigeria international described Trabzonspor as a football-obsessed club where supporters can quickly embrace players who deliver on the pitch.

Speaking to Turkish outlet Sabah, Mikel said the reception for Salah was unlike anything he had seen before.

“Trabzonspor is a really good club, the people live and breathe football. It’s a football city.”

Mikel revealed that Trabzonspor supporters regularly welcome new signings at the airport, but admitted Salah’s arrival was on an entirely different scale.

“But this time, it was different, it was thousands of people that came out to welcome Mo Salah, it was absolutely crazy.”

The former Chelsea midfielder also pointed to the attention generated by Salah’s arrival, saying the club’s social media presence experienced a major boost following the announcement.

However, the AFCON 2013 winner believes the excitement surrounding Salah will only last if the former Liverpool star continues to perform.

“The people in the city will worship you if you’re playing well and winning games. They turn on you quickly, they don’t care who you are or where you are from.”

Soccer Salah must deliver for Trabzonspor fans

That warning is very important for Salah, who arrives in Turkey carrying enormous expectations, especially after Fatih Tekke’s side made him the highest-earning player in the Super Lig.

The 34-year-old is expected to provide goals, creativity and experience as Trabzonspor look to compete for major honours and challenge at the top end of Turkish football.

Mikel believes Salah has everything required to become a huge favourite with the supporters, but only if his performances match the excitement surrounding his arrival.

“I hope it works out well for him and his family, that they feel comfortable and enjoy the city. Because one thing is for sure, if he keeps performing and playing well for that City, they would absolutely worship him.”

Salah’s arrival could also have a direct impact on Super Eagles striker Paul Onuachu, who enjoyed a prolific 2025/26 campaign with Trabzonspor.

The Nigerian forward finished last season as one of the Süper Lig’s joint top scorers after scoring 22 league goals, and former Trabzonspor striker Emre Güral has already tipped him to improve that tally with Salah providing another attacking outlet.

With Salah now expected to attract significant attention from opposing defences, Onuachu could benefit from the additional space created by the Egyptian’s presence.

For Salah, however, the message from Mikel is clear: the spectacular welcome has set the tone, but his performances will determine how long the adoration lasts in Trabzon.

Adefolahan Guerreiro

Adefolahan is a multilingual CAF-Accredited sports journalist and football writer whose work spans outlets like Soccernet Nigeria, Pure Football UK, and Royalsportz.

With a sharp eye for detail and a background in college sports, he tells the African football story with depth, flair, and global perspective.

Fluent in English, Spanish, and German, he brings a cross-cultural voice to his coverage, blending insight with accessibility for readers around the world.
His portfolio includes interviews with top Nigerian stars like Finidi George, Junior Lokosa, Sikiru Alimi, Sodiq Ismaila, and Abraham Onahi Ogbu.

A devoted Borussia Dortmund fan, Adefolahan thrives on the emotion and rhythm of the beautiful game. Away from work, he’s a sci-fi enthusiast and series lover who enjoys exploring how sport, storytelling, and culture collide.