Mohamed Salah has begun life at Trabzonspor in a house that carries some history for the Turkish club, having previously been occupied by former Nigerian international Anthony Nwakaeme.
The information was made public by Trabzonspor president Ertugrul Dogan while addressing questions about the accommodation arranged for the Egyptian forward.
Dogan explained that the club has several houses and villas reserved for its players and confirmed that Salah is currently living in the same property where Nwakaeme once stayed.
He also played down the attention surrounding the residence, stressing that Trabzonspor routinely provides accommodation for members of its squad.
Nwakaeme remains a well-known figure in Trabzon after two spells with the club. The Nigerian forward established himself as a favourite among supporters before bringing his playing career to a close with the Turkish side.
His final season ended with a major achievement as Trabzonspor lifted the Turkish Cup in May. The club has since sought to keep him involved by offering him a scouting role.
While Salah’s new home links him with one former Nigerian star, his arrival could also have an effect on another Super Eagles player currently at the club.
Paul Onuachu is expected to benefit from the attention Salah will attract from opposing defences, according to former Trabzonspor player Emre Gural.
Gural believes defenders concentrating on Salah could leave Onuachu with greater freedom around the opposition box and give the tall Nigerian more opportunities to make an impact.
That could be significant for Onuachu, who had an outstanding scoring campaign last season. He found the net 22 times in the Turkish top flight, ending the season level with Istanbul Basaksehir’s Eldor Shomurodov at the top of the scoring chart.
Trabzonspor will now hope the combination of Salah’s attacking quality and Onuachu’s finishing ability can provide the goals needed to mount another serious challenge for honours.
