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Mohamed Salah has moved into the Trabzon property previously occupied by former Super Eagles striker Anthony Nwakaeme following his transfer to Turkish club Trabzonspor.
The unusual coincidence was disclosed by Trabzonspor president Ertugrul Dogan, who explained that the club maintains several houses and villas for its players in the Turkish city.
Dogan said there was nothing unusual about Salah occupying the property, stressing that it was one of several homes managed by the club for its players.
“We currently have some houses in Trabzon that we’ve arranged for, let me put it this way: For example, the house he’s staying in now is the same house Nwakaeme used to stay in,” Dogan said, according to quotes published by Fanatik.
He added that the club had about seven or eight houses available for players, dismissing speculation generated by images of Salah’s accommodation.
Nwakaeme enjoyed two spells at Trabzonspor and became one of the club’s most popular Nigerian players before bringing his playing career to an end after helping the side win the Turkish Cup in May.
The 37-year-old has since been offered a scouting role by the club, extending his association with Trabzonspor beyond his playing career.
Salah’s arrival at the club could also have implications for another Nigerian forward, Paul Onuachu, who is expected to benefit from the Egyptian captain’s attacking quality.
Former Trabzonspor striker Emre Gural believes Salah’s presence could create additional space for Onuachu, as opposition defenders are likely to devote significant attention to the Egyptian forward.
“Paul Onuachu will now receive the ball in a much different way and create different positions. Onuachu will create more space because the opposing team’s players will focus on Mohamed Salah,” Gural told Turkiyegazetesi.
Onuachu finished last season as joint top scorer in the Turkish Super Lig with 22 goals, sharing the Golden Boot with Istanbul Basaksehir’s Eldor Shomurodov.
With Salah now leading Trabzonspor’s attack and Onuachu expected to benefit from the attention drawn by the Egyptian, the club will hope the partnership can translate into goals and a stronger challenge for honours this season.
