By Recent rumours out of Saudi Arabia claim that the rumoured £40 million sale of Fabinho from Liverpool to Al-Ittihad has been finalised and is now a “done deal.” The Saudi Pro League team unexpectedly made the Brazilian midfielder a target, and Al-Ittihad is planning a sizable offer for his services.
The transaction has allegedly been finalised, according to the Saudi media site Neews Sports, signalling yet another change in Liverpool’s midfield ahead of the forthcoming 2023–24 Premier League season. After James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and Naby Keita were released by the Reds after their contracts, this move took place.
Given that Fabinho signed a new long-term deal with Liverpool in August 2021 that was supposed to end in August 2026, news of his likely exit seems unexpected. Since signing from AS Monaco in 2018, the 29-year-old has made 219 appearances for the Reds, playing a crucial part in their success under Jurgen Klopp, including their victories in the Champions League, Premier League, UEFA Super Cup, Club World Cup, FA Cup, and Carabao Cup.
Nuno Espirito Santo, the manager of Al-Ittihad, is allegedly interested to sign Fabinho after signing former Real Madrid stars Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante this summer.
In an unexpected turn of events, Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has also been connected to a move to Saudi Arabia. According to sources, he reportedly accepted an offer from the club Al Ettifaq, which is managed by Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard. The deal, however, is subject to an agreement between the clubs.
Liverpool has not yet received a formal offer for Henderson, but Al Ettifaq lacks Al-Ittihad’s financial clout. The latter club is 75% owned by the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, which also owns 80% of Newcastle United.
This summer, Liverpool has been linked with deals for Roméo Lavia and Khéphren Thuram among these probable exits. However, the departure of two experienced midfielders might spark more action in the transfer market before Liverpool’s 2023–24 campaign opener against Chelsea.
Overall, the impending departure of Fabinho to Al-Ittihad and the rumours surrounding the possible trade of Henderson represents a big progression for Liverpool. It indicates a change in their midfield and may prompt further acquisitions as they get ready for the upcoming season.
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