Trabzonspor nears free transfer for Fabinho to set up Mohamed Salah reunion

Trabzonspor are on the verge of securing a major midfield reinforcement, reportedly reaching an advanced agreement to sign former Liverpool and Al-Ittihad star Fabinho on a free transfer.

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A Much-Needed midfield boost

According to reliable Turkish journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglu, the Black Sea Storm have moved swiftly to negotiate terms with the Brazilian international.

Trabzonspor's hierarchy is desperate to inject quality and experience into the squad following a highly disappointing start to the new campaign.

Abdullah Avcı’s men opened their Turkish Super Lig season with a lackluster 1-1 draw against Kasımpaşa, followed by a frustrating 1-0 defeat to Ferencváros in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League play-off tie.

The Liverpool connection reunited

Fabinho is well-acquainted with Trabzonspor's newest superstar, Mohamed Salah. The duo enjoyed a highly successful period together at Anfield, forming the spine of Jürgen Klopp’s Champions League and Premier League-winning squads.

The 32 year old holding midfielder left Liverpool in the summer of 2023 for a fee of approximately €50 million to join Saudi Pro League giants Al-Ittihad.

Following the expiration of his contract this summer, Fabinho became a highly sought-after free agent.

This move highlights Trabzonspor's ongoing strategy of targeting Salah's former teammates to build immediate squad chemistry. The Turkish club had previously attempted to hijack Darwin Nunez’s transfer though the Uruguayan striker ultimately signed with newly promoted Saudi outfit Al-Diriyah.

Securing Fabinho on a free transfer is a massive coup for Trabzonspor's sporting project.

The Turkish side's midfield looked distinctly porous and lacking in defensive authority during their recent European defeat in Budapest. Fabinho's elite positional awareness and ball-recovery skills will provide the exact defensive shield required to allow Salah the absolute freedom to operate higher up the pitch.

Recreating the tactical synergy they shared at Liverpool could instantly elevate Trabzonspor from domestic contenders to formidable European competitors.

Khaled Hegazy |

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Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

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