TRABZON, TURKEY — Trabzonspor are set to complete another headline-making free transfer, with former Liverpool midfielder Fabinho poised to join the Turkish club and reunite with Mohamed Salah.
The 32-year-old Brazilian has agreed to move to Trabzonspor after becoming a free agent following his departure from Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad. Reuters reported on Monday that Trabzonspor confirmed Fabinho’s impending arrival by posting an image of the midfielder wearing the club’s kit aboard a private jet.
Fabinho himself added to the excitement with a message referencing his reunion with Salah, saying that “a familiar face is waiting for me in Trabzon.”
FROM LIVERPOOL TO TURKEY — TOGETHER AGAIN
The move brings back a partnership that became familiar to Liverpool supporters around the world.
Fabinho and Salah spent five seasons together at Liverpool from 2018 to 2023. During that period, the club enjoyed one of the most successful stretches in its modern history, winning the Premier League and UEFA Champions League, among other major trophies.
Fabinho established himself as Liverpool’s defensive midfield anchor, while Salah became one of the team’s most prolific attacking players.
Now, more than three years after Fabinho left Anfield, the pair are preparing to share a dressing room again — this time in Turkey.
FABINHO’S AL-ITTIHAD CHAPTER ENDS
Fabinho joined Al-Ittihad from Liverpool in 2023 and spent three seasons with the Saudi club.
According to Brazilian outlet ge, he made 111 appearances, scored seven goals and provided eight assists for Al-Ittihad. He also won the Saudi Pro League and King’s Cup during his time in Saudi Arabia.
Al-Ittihad announced his departure on August 6, leaving the experienced midfielder available as a free agent.
Reports from Turkey subsequently indicated that Trabzonspor moved quickly to secure an agreement, with the club looking to strengthen its midfield with an experienced defensive player.
TRABZONSPOR’S SUMMER JUST GOT EVEN LOUDER
Fabinho’s arrival comes shortly after Trabzonspor pulled off another major free-transfer coup by signing Salah.
The Egyptian superstar agreed to a two-year contract with the Turkish club earlier this month after leaving Liverpool. Reuters reported that Salah’s deal is worth €17 million per season, with additional commercial and performance-related benefits.
Salah has already made an immediate impact.
On Sunday, he scored twice as Trabzonspor defeated Istanbul Basaksehir 2-1, giving the club its first league victory of the season. Salah scored in the eighth minute before adding the winner early in the second half.
That performance makes the timing of Fabinho’s arrival particularly intriguing.
Trabzonspor are not simply adding two famous names. They are bringing together players who already understand each other’s movements, habits and expectations from their years at Liverpool.
A MAJOR CAREER FOR FABINHO
Fabinho began his European career with Real Madrid’s Castilla before making his name at Monaco, where he became an important part of the club’s midfield during its successful 2016-17 campaign.
He subsequently moved to Liverpool, where he became a key figure under Jürgen Klopp.
During his Liverpool spell, Fabinho won the Champions League, Premier League, UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup, FA Cup and League Cup. Turkish outlet Habertürk also reported that he made 219 appearances for Liverpool before moving to Al-Ittihad in 2023.
His experience also extends to international football. Fabinho represented Brazil at the 2026 World Cup and appeared in three matches, according to ge.
WHAT IT MEANS FOR TRABZONSPOR
Trabzonspor finished third in the 2025-26 Turkish Super Lig, earning a place in the Europa League playoff round.
The club’s recruitment of Salah and now Fabinho signals an ambitious attempt to compete at a higher level while adding proven experience to the squad.
And the Salah-Fabinho reunion could become one of the most recognizable storylines of the new Turkish football season.
For Liverpool fans, it is a remarkable sight: two players who helped define an era at Anfield are now wearing the same colors again — just thousands of miles away.
And if Trabzonspor can get the best out of both stars, their summer transfer gamble could turn into something much bigger than a nostalgia story.
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