Liverpool and Al-Ittihad are reportedly in talks over the “key details” of Fabinho’s proposed move to the Saudi Arabian champions after the midfielder gave the green light to a transfer.
Fabinho is believed to have been the subject of a £40m bid from Nuno Espirito Santo’s side and has been left out of the Reds’ squad for their pre-season training camp in Germany as talks continue.
The former Monaco man is still contracted to Jurgen Klopp’s side for another three years, but his form took a nosedive during Liverpool’s challenging 2022-23 season.
Should the Reds be able to get a new number six through the doors in the coming weeks, Fabinho’s departure will likely be given the green light as Klopp refreshes his midfield with young talent.
It is unclear if Liverpool have accepted Al-Ittihad’s bid, but according to Fabrizio Romano, Fabinho has now agreed personal terms with the Saudi Pro League holders after holding talks with Espirito Santo.
Romano adds that the two clubs are now locked in discussions over the finer details of the move, such as the terms of Al-Ittihad’s £40m payment, instalments and any potential add-ons.
Al-Ittihad have already poached one revered defensive midfielder from a Premier League Big Six club this term, signing ex-Chelsea man N’Golo Kante upon the expiration of his contract.
In addition, Ballon d’Or holder Karim Benzema left Real Madrid in order to join the Middle Eastern powerhouses, while Portuguese attacker Jota has arrived from Celtic.
Fabinho’s potential switch to the Saudi Pro League would bring an end to a glittering five-year spell at Anfield, during which time he has scored 11 goals and set up 10 more in 219 games.
The Brazilian lynchpin has starred during the Reds’ runs to Champions League and Premier League glory, as well as winning the FA Cup, EFL Cup, Club World Cup and Community Shield.
Despite his noticeable decline last term, Fabinho remained Klopp’s first-choice in the number six role and registered two assists from 49 appearances across all
As well as Fabinho, fellow midfielder Jordan Henderson continues to be heavily linked with a Saudi switch amid reports that he has agreed terms with Steven Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq.
However, Liverpool are not willing to let their captain walk out of the door for nothing, and he has made the trip to Germany with the rest of his teammates as the Reds hold out for a £20m fee.
The Reds have added Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister to their engine room this summer as part of their midfield rejig, which has seen Naby Keita, James Milner, Leighton Clarkson, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Juventus loanee Arthur bid farewell.
Southampton’s Romeo Lavia and Brighton & Hove Albion’s Moises Caicedo are thought to be Liverpool’s two top targets to replace Fabinho, but Chelsea are allegedly the frontrunners to sign the latter.
