Fabinho set for Trabzonspor move and reunion with Mohamed Salah

Trabzonspor are close to signing former Al-Ittihad midfielder Fabinho on a free transfer, with the Brazilian expected to travel from Portugal to Istanbul on Sunday evening to complete the move, according to Turkish broadcaster A Spor.

The club have opened formal negotiations with the 32-year-old and have reached a preliminary agreement with him, the report says. Fabinho’s arrival would strengthen Trabzonspor’s midfield as they continue preparations for the remainder of the new season.

The proposed move would also reunite Fabinho with Mohamed Salah. The pair previously played together at Liverpool and could now share a dressing room again if the transfer is completed.

Fabinho became a free agent after ending his spell with Al-Ittihad. During the previous campaign, he made 44 appearances in all competitions, playing a total of 3,906 minutes. He scored three goals and provided four assists.

The midfielder also represented Brazil at the 2026 World Cup, featuring in three matches during the tournament.

Trabzonspor are continuing to reinforce their squad after completing the signing of Salah and are aiming to challenge for domestic and European honours. The club’s latest recruitment plans come as they balance their league campaign with their involvement in the Europa League.

They suffered a 1-0 home defeat by Hungarian side Ferencvarosi TC in the first leg of their Europa League qualifying tie. The second leg will take place in Hungary on Thursday, leaving Trabzonspor needing to overturn the one-goal deficit to progress.

Salah made his first start for Trabzonspor in that match and remained on the pitch until the final whistle. His arrival has increased expectations around the club, who are seeking to compete in both Turkish football and continental competition.

Before the return fixture against Ferencvarosi TC, Trabzonspor are due to face Istanbul Basaksehir in the second week of the Turkish league season on Sunday.

The club are yet to complete their deal for Fabinho, but his planned journey to Istanbul is regarded as a significant step towards finalising the transfer. Should the move go through, he would bring extensive experience from his time in European football and from his previous spell in Saudi Arabia.

Fabinho spent several seasons at Liverpool alongside Salah before leaving the English club for Al-Ittihad. His possible return to the same team as the Egypt captain would be one of the most notable features of Trabzonspor’s summer recruitment.

A Spor’s report indicates that the initial agreement is in place, with the remaining procedures expected to be completed after Fabinho reaches Turkey. Trabzonspor will now focus on finalising the free-agent signing while preparing for a demanding run of domestic and European fixtures.