Trabzonspor announce signing of Cape Verde defender Sidny Cabral

Turkish outfit Trabzonspor have announced the signing of Cape Verdean international Sidny Cabral ahead of the new season.

The 23-year-old has left Benfica after just six months at the club, bringing an early end to his stint in Portuguese football. Despite his short stay, Cabral managed to make a noticeable impression, featuring in 12 matches during the 2025–2026 season across all competitions.

The move marks a significant step in the defender’s career as he now embarks on a new challenge in Turkey, where Trabzonspor are looking to strengthen their squad with young, dynamic talent capable of making an immediate impact in both domestic and European competitions.

While the official financial details of the transfer have not been disclosed, reports suggest that Trabzonspor agreed to pay around €7 million to secure Cabral’s signature. The investment underlines the club’s ambition to reinforce their defensive options with promising international players.

Cabral’s arrival is expected to provide Trabzonspor with added depth and versatility in defence. Known for his composure on the ball, physical strength, and ability to read the game, the Cape Verde international is seen as a long-term addition who can grow into a key figure for the Turkish side.

At Benfica, Cabral’s opportunities were limited due to strong competition for places, but his performances were still viewed positively within the club. His brief spell in Portugal offered valuable experience at a high level, which he now carries into a new environment in the Turkish top flight.

For Trabzonspor, the signing reflects a continued effort to rebuild and strengthen their squad with young international players capable of adding energy and quality to the backline. The club has been active in the transfer market as they aim to close the gap on domestic rivals and compete strongly in the upcoming season.

Meanwhile, Cabral’s move is also seen as an important development for Cape Verdean football, as the national team continues to see more of its players securing transfers to competitive European leagues, boosting the profile of its talent pool on the international stage.

With the transfer now complete, all attention will turn to how quickly Sidny Cabral adapts to Turkish football and whether he can establish himself as a regular starter in Trabzonspor’s defensive setup in the coming season.