Drogheda United to take on Mohamed Salah's Trabzonspor in friendly

Mohamed Salah cold be about to face Drogheda United. Pic: Peter Byrne/PA Wire.

Just a few months into his new journey in Turkey and Mohamed Salah will find himself coming up against a League of Ireland side.

Former Liverpool defensive midfielder Fabinho is there too, as is former Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana who may all feature in Trabzonspor’s upcoming friendly against Drogheda United.

On Wednesday afternoon Drogheda confirmed that the club will travel to Türkiye to face Trabzonspor at Papara Park on Thursday, 1 October, marking the first time the club has played in Türkiye.

In a statement released on their official website, United said “the fixture represents another chapter in the long-standing friendship between Drogheda and the Turkish people and comes as Ireland and Türkiye celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations in 2026.”

The friendly between the two clubs, who share a similar crest and wear similarly coloured kit, will also feature in the upcoming independently produced documentary, “An Gorta Mór – The Star & The Crescent”, with the intention to be showcased on Turkish TV.

The documentary will explore the historical connection between Drogheda, Ireland and Türkiye, tracing the story of Ottoman humanitarian assistance during the Great Famine and bringing that relationship into the present day through Drogheda United and Trabzonspor.

“The Trabzonspor friendly, in addition to all the cultural and partnership benefits it provides to the club in the long term, is a strategic sporting decision,” said Drogheda United Chairman Ben Boycott.

“We want to keep the team working together during the international break, sharpen ourselves against quality opposition in a friendly match and use the trip as a launchpad into the crucial final weeks of the season.

“Drogheda United has faced adversity over the years, and at this critical moment, I’m asking all of our supporters to fill Sullivan & Lambe Park and rally behind Kevin and the team as we fight together to the finish line.

“There is a huge amount still to play for, and everyone associated with Drogheda United has a role to play. From the Board to the players, staff and supporters, we need to pull together, support one another and give everything we have over these final weeks.”

Drogheda United CEO Rían Wogan added: “Today is an incredibly proud day for everyone associated with Drogheda United.

“To be able to take the club, our players and our supporters to Trabzon for an occasion of this scale is hugely exciting, and we want to make the most of every opportunity that comes with it. We know there is a real connection between the two sets of supporters, and we’re particularly looking forward to seeing our fans from Ireland and Türkiye come together in Trabzon.

“We also want this trip to leave a legacy beyond the football. Together with Drogheda & District Chamber, we will use our time in Türkiye to create opportunities for our partners and the wider Drogheda business community to make new connections and develop relationships that can continue long after we return home.

“We want our supporters to be part of the occasion too, and we will shortly share details of ticketing alongside discounts from our hotel and airline partners for those travelling to Trabzon.

“A project like this only happens because of a huge amount of work and goodwill from people on both sides.

“I want to thank everyone at Trabzonspor, H.E. Mrs Esra Cankorur and her team at the Turkish Embassy in Ireland, Trivela Group and our Advisory Board, particularly Conor Hoey and Enda McCarville, Hubert Murphy and Drogheda & District Chamber, and Ecem Nadir, whose passion for both clubs has been a real asset throughout the process.

“We’re extremely grateful to everyone who has helped turn the idea into a reality, and now we’re looking forward to making it an occasion Drogheda United can be proud of.”

Further information regarding the fixture, supporter travel and ticketing will be announced in the coming days.