Baghdad: officially announced the signing of Brazilian international footballer Fabinho for two seasons on a free transfer, following the expiration of his contract with Saudi club Al-Ittihad.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Turkish club stated in a press release that it had reached a two-year agreement with Fabio Henrique Tavares, known as “Fabinho,” who became available after his contract with his former club expired. The statement added that the player will receive a guaranteed annual salary of £2.6 million, in addition to a signing bonus of £1.4 million per season.

The 32-year-old Fabinho had joined Al-Ittihad in the summer of 2013 from Liverpool, after five successful seasons with the team, before leaving the Saudi club at the end of his contract. The Brazilian midfielder made 111 appearances for Al-Ittihad across all competitions, scoring 7 goals and providing 9 assists, and contributing to the team’s Saudi League and King’s Cup double in the 2014-2015 season.

Fabinho’s move to Trabzonspor represents a reunion with his former Liverpool teammate, Egyptian international Mohamed Salah. Together, they formed part of the generation that achieved numerous successes with the English club between 2018 and 2023, before embarking on a new adventure in the Turkish league.