Trabzonspor unveil Fabinho after Salah’s two-goal Super Lig debut

Mohamed Salah made an immediate impact for Trabzonspor by scoring twice in their Super Lig victory over Istanbul Basaksehir, before the Turkish club confirmed the arrival of his former Liverpool team-mate Fabinho.

The Egypt international was praised widely in the Turkish media after finding the net for the first time since joining Trabzonspor. His goals helped his new side secure victory against Istanbul Basaksehir and prompted celebrations around the club.

“Egypt’s king has scored his first goals!” wrote Fanatik in its coverage of Salah’s performance.

Hurriyet was similarly enthusiastic about the former Liverpool forward, describing his display as a major success.

“Salah delivered a magnificent performance at Trabzonspor,” the newspaper reported.

The publication also examined how the team adapted its approach to make better use of the forward’s ability.

“Salah immediately made his presence felt. It will take time for this team to move away from its tactic of constantly circulating the ball towards Onuachu. As soon as they changed their tactics, they found Salah. When you have a world-class player, you have to exploit his strengths.”

Trabzonspor manager Fatih Tekke said Salah had quickly become an important figure within the squad, both because of his performances and his conduct away from matches.

“Mohamed is already very important for us. He is a true professional, on and off the pitch,” said the manager.

Salah’s team-mate Andre Onana also welcomed the experienced forward’s arrival and believes his presence can improve the team further.

“Mo has exceptional qualities and we want him to be happy. That will only strengthen our team. It is great to start the season like this.”

Fabinho joins former Liverpool team-mate

After the win over Istanbul Basaksehir, Tekke also discussed another major signing being pursued by Trabzonspor.

“Another star is coming. Yes, it is a risky gamble for the manager,” said the former Turkey international.

“I have a squad capable of costing him his job. I have discussed it with the president.”

Trabzonspor have now confirmed that Fabinho, 32, will join Salah in Trabzon. The Brazilian midfielder previously played alongside the Egyptian at Liverpool and had been a free agent since leaving Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad.

Fabinho has already arrived in Turkey and posed in a Trabzonspor shirt, underlining the club’s ambition following the signing of Salah.

The Super Lig side are also reportedly interested in signing Fabio Silva from Borussia Dortmund. The Portugal forward previously played for PSV Eindhoven and scored for Borussia Dortmund on Saturday in their 2-1 defeat by Bayern Munich in the UEFA Super Cup.

The arrival of Fabinho gives Trabzonspor another player with experience at the highest level of European football, while Salah’s two-goal start has increased excitement around the club after his move to Turkey.