There is something wonderfully familiar about the latest name being linked with Trabzonspor, and for Mohamed Salah it could make his new adventure in Turkey feel a little more like home.

Fabinho is on the verge of returning to the Turkish club, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that Trabzonspor have reached a verbal agreement to sign the Brazilian midfielder.

The former Liverpool star is available as a free agent after leaving Saudi Arabia this summer, with travel to Turkey expected within the next 24 to 48 hours and a medical already booked.

For Salah, it would be a reunion with a teammate who shared some of the greatest years of his career.

The pair were Liverpool teammates between 2018 and 2023, forming part of the side that transformed the Reds from nearly-men into European and domestic champions.

Fabinho made 219 appearances for Liverpool, winning five major honours, including the Champions League in 2019 and the Premier League the following season.

Salah, meanwhile, became the face of that golden generation. The Egyptian arrived at Anfield in 2017 and spent nine years rewriting the club’s record books, scoring 257 goals in 442 appearances before his departure this summer. His Liverpool career included two Premier League titles, the Champions League, FA Cup, League Cups and UEFA Super Cup. 

And Fabinho was more than simply another player alongside him. The Brazilian’s job was often the unglamorous one, protecting the defence, winning possession and giving Liverpool’s attacking stars the freedom to express themselves. 

His role allowed players such as Salah, Sadio Mané and Roberto Firmino to operate with greater freedom, while his importance to Jürgen Klopp’s midfield became increasingly obvious.

There was also a direct connection between Fabinho and Salah on the pitch. Fabinho provided assists for the Egyptian on several occasions, including goals against Wolves, Arsenal, Crystal Palace and Brentford during their time together. 

Now, three years after Fabinho left Anfield for Al-Ittihad, their paths could cross again.

Trabzonspor’s move has obvious sporting value, but the Liverpool storyline makes it particularly intriguing. Salah is already beginning a fresh chapter in Turkey, and the arrival of an old teammate could give the new Trabzonspor project another familiar face from one of Europe’s most successful teams.

For Liverpool fans it offers a nostalgic reminder of a midfield-and-attack combination that helped deliver some unforgettable nights.

This time, though, they could be wearing the same shirt again.

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