Belgian international striker Romelu Lukaku has completed a lucrative transfer to Turkish club Fenerbahce after touching down in Istanbul this week.
The 33-year-old was greeted by fanatical supporters as he arrived, wearing Fenerbahce's black and yellow striped kit and joining fans in chanting to celebrate his signing.
Lukaku will officially be unveiled at a welcoming ceremony on Friday at the club's stadium, with supporters again invited to attend in large numbers.
High profile summer transfers
Lukaku is far from the first high-profile arrival in the Turkish top flight this summer, following moves by Leandro Trossard, Nathan Ake, Mason Greenwood, Dusan Vlahovic and Mohamed Salah.
The surge in player movement looks set to continue as Galatasaray have tabled a £38 million offer for Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli.
However, Daily Mail Sport reported that the 25-year-old Brazilian is not currently inclined to leave the English Premier League club for Turkey.
Tax rates and lucrative contracts
While Turkey has historically been a regular destination for established players entering the final years of their careers, comparisons have been drawn this summer to the massive influx of talent into the Saudi Pro League in recent years.
Lucrative contract terms have played a major role in attracting players, highlighted by Egyptian forward Salah's move to Trabzonspor.
According to a public disclosure platform statement from Trabzonspor, the club agreed to pay Salah a guaranteed €17,000,000 (£14.5 million) per season, comprising an annual salary of €10,000,000 (£8.5 million) and a signing fee of €7,000,000 (£6 million).
Trabzonspor stated that Salah will also receive performance-based bonuses each season, along with a 20 per cent share of revenue from specific 'Mohamed Salah' retail products under an image rights agreement. An agency fee amounting to five per cent of the player's gross remuneration will also be paid.
Former Juventus forward Vlahovic has also secured a substantial deal, earning a guaranteed £6.4 million per year over the next three seasons.
The financial appeal is further enhanced by Turkey's tax structure, where players benefit from an exemption that sets their base tax rate at 20 per cent, compared to standard progressive tax rates.
Clubs in the Super Lig typically handle these tax obligations directly, accounting for income tax within their overall payroll.
As reported by the Telegraph, announced figures represent net pay for players rather than gross earnings subject to major tax deductions. This setup leads to Salah taking home approximately £500,000 per week, representing a significant pay rise compared to his wages at Liverpool.
Investments in facilities and lifestyle
Daily Mail Sport reported last month that Turkish clubs have made a concerted effort to upgrade facilities and lifestyle offerings, ensuring they can compete for top talent against leagues such as the Saudi Pro League and Major League Soccer.
Galatasaray moved into a new 130-acre training facility last year at a cost of around £17.5 million, while also investing in upgrades for their youth academy and other sports divisions.
The Istanbul-based club has also invested in a private island in the middle of the Bosphorus Strait, converting it into an exclusive destination where players can enjoy parties and fine dining.
Meanwhile, rival club Besiktas moved into a new £86 million stadium a decade ago and is planning a new training facility near Istanbul Airport.
Despite carrying debts of around £387 million according to their latest announcement, Besiktas hopes to eliminate that debt through investment in a state-backed real estate project.
