Fabinho could be the next Premier League player to join the Saudi Pro League this summer as the Liverpool midfielder is reportedly wanted by defending champions Al Ittihad.
Former teammate and compatriot Roberto Firmino has already joined Al Ahli on a free transfer, with Reds captain Jordan Henderson confirming his move Saudi Arabia to join Al Ettifag, who are managed by Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard.
Al Ittihad have already been expanding their roster with big names in the transfer window. Karim Benzema and N'Golo Kante both signed for the club following their contracts ending at Real Madrid and Chelsea respectively. Jota also made the switch from Celtic to Al Ittihad for £25 million ($31.7m).
The Sporting News looks at the latest transfer news surrounding Fabinho's potential departure.
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Fabinho to Saudi Arabia: Latest transfer updates
With Liverpool looking to do a squad rebuild this summer, specifically in midfield, selling Fabinho has become more accepted among fans than it would have been in the past.
Sky Sports previously reported Liverpool had received Al Ittihad's £40m ($52.4m) offer for the Brazilian, and they have accepted the move, with Fabinho in talks over a switch.
Fabinho was subsequently omitted from Liverpool's preseason tour of Germany, but the deal has been hit by delays, including a bizarre story over the midfielder being unable to bring his dogs to Saudi Arabia.
According to reports, Fabinho's £40m move to Saudi Arabia could collapse due to the breed of his dog being illegal in the country 🐕 🇸🇦 pic.twitter.com/Q1I3jmzQ3y
— SPORTbible (@sportbible) July 23, 2023
Despite the delays, both parties are continuing with the negotiations, as Liverpool aim to confirm a payment structure for the transfer.
The Times' Paul Joyce has reported the deal remains on track, with Liverpool working to bring in Romeo Lavia as a replacement, and Fabinho could train alone in Liverpool this week, as the squad fly from Germany to Singapore.
Renewed expectation that Fabinho £40m move to Al Ittihad will go ahead after deal had stalled over payment terms to Liverpool. Talks started again. Liverpool first bid for Romeo Lavia was £34m plus £4m add ons and Southampton expecting another approach.
— paul joyce (@_pauljoyce) July 26, 2023
Fabinho transfer fee, wages
Fabinho is 29 years old and has three years left on his Liverpool contract. This means that the £40m ($52.4m) bid from Al Ittihad is very similar to his estimated current market value, making it a good deal for the club from Jeddah.
Liverpool last extended Fabinho's contract in August 2021, when the midfielder signed a five-year deal with the Reds. According to Spotrac, Fabinho earns £180,000 ($236,000) per week at Anfield.
It is unclear how much Al Ittihad are offering to pay Fabinho, but it is likely his salary will be far higher than what he is earning in England.
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Fabinho Liverpool stats, trophies
Fabinho signed for Liverpool back in 2018 following a £43.7m ($57.3m) move from Monaco. His ability to protect the defence whilst also helping build attacks made him an ideal signing for Jurgen Klopp.
During his time with the Reds, Fabinho helped them win their first Premier League title and their sixth Champions League. He also achieved a domestic cup double in the 2021/22 season.
| Competition | Games | Goals | Assists | Yellow Cards | Times won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premier League | 151 | 8 | 9 | 36 | 1x (2019/20) |
| Champions League | 47 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 1x (2018/19) |
| FA Cup | 11 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 1x (2021/22) |
| EFL Cup | 6 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1x (2021/22) |
| FA Community Shield | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1x (2022) |
| UEFA Super Cup | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1x (2019) |
| Total | 219 | 11 | 10 | 47 | 6 |