Fabinho Signs for Trabzonspor: Becomes the Maroon-Blue Club's 208th Foreign Player

Fabinho, one of the last surprises of Trabzonspor's transfer season, donned the maroon-blue jersey and etched his name into club history as the 208th foreign footballer. The Black Sea team, which reached a 2-year agreement with the 32-year-old Brazilian midfielder, has now transferred players from 54 different countries throughout its 59-year history. Trabzonspor's journey with foreign players began in the 1970-71 season with Romanian Reculen Koska, while the club's first foreign transfer in the Süper Lig was German Jürgen Groh in the 1985-86 season. With Fabinho's transfer, the number of players from Brazil, the club's most favored country, rose to 19.

The Ertuğrul Doğan administration, which took the presidential seat in March 2023, has brought a total of 38 foreign players to the team during this period, including Fabinho. This process saw extensive transfer activity, including names such as Onuachu, Pepe, Zubkov, and Salah. Fabinho, who arrived in Trabzon by private jet with his wife, was welcomed by fans at the airport; he was presented with a scarf and flowers while chanting along with supporters. The experienced player underwent a medical examination and then signed the official contract to join the maroon-blue club.

Fabinho, who has mostly played in the number 6 position throughout his career, stated that he could also play as a center-back and right-back when needed. The Brazilian player, who said his role in the team would become clear after discussions with Head Coach Fatih Tekke, emphasized that he was ready to give his best regardless of whatever role he took on. Reference was also made to the praising words of his former coach Jürgen Klopp, with whom he worked during his years at Liverpool, while it was noted that the coaching staff would decide whether Fabinho would play in the match against Amed on August 31.

Fabinho, who will reunite with Muhammed Salah at Trabzonspor after playing together at Liverpool between 2018 and 2023, expressed that he has a special bond with his former teammate. The duo had achieved Premier League and Champions League titles together, along with various cup victories, during their years in England. In a notification made to the Public Disclosure Platform, it was recorded that Fabinho will receive a guaranteed salary of 2.6 million euros per season and bonuses of up to 1.4 million euros under his 2-year contract.