In a significant development, Liverpool’s Brazilian midfield maestro Fabinho has joined Saudi Pro League champions Al Ittihad. The player has sealed a three-year deal, adding to a series of top-tier transfers that have marked Al Ittihad’s summer recruitment spree.
Fabinho, who previously held a pivotal role at Anfield, is leaving the Reds after a successful stint of five years. He made over 200 appearances throughout his Liverpool tenure, contributing significantly to the team’s victories in the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, and UEFA Super Cup.
With this transfer, Fabinho becomes the second prominent midfielder from Liverpool to transition to a Saudi Arabian club this summer, following Jordan Henderson’s move to Al Ettifaq.
Reflecting on his time at Liverpool, Fabinho expressed gratitude and reverence, stating that he had the “greatest honour and happiness possible” representing the club. He confessed his love for the team and thanked everyone for the shared experiences.
Liverpool’s midfield has undergone a significant overhaul this summer. Manager Jurgen Klopp has brought in Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai to fill the vacancies left by the departures of Henderson and Fabinho.
Furthermore, Liverpool is reportedly interested in acquiring Southampton’s Romeo Lavia.
The squad also witnessed a shift in leadership, with Virgil van Dijk taking over the captaincy from Henderson and Trent Alexander-Arnold becoming the new vice-captain after James Milner.
Al Ittihad’s acquisition of Fabinho underscores the Saudi Pro League’s recent influx of high-profile players. The club previously signed Ballon d’Or winner, former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema, former Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante, and ex-Celtic forward Jota.
These signings aim to strengthen Al Ittihad’s roster ahead of their multiple domestic and international competitions.
Under the management of Nuno Espirito Santo, a former Wolves and Spurs boss, Al Ittihad is ambitiously laying the groundwork for a competitive team that could significantly shift the dynamics of the Saudi Pro League.
Key Takeaways:
- Fabinho has completed his £40m transfer from Liverpool to Saudi Pro League’s Al Ittihad.
- This is part of a series of high-profile signings by Al Ittihad, including Benzema, Kante, and Jota.
- Liverpool has lost two senior midfielders to Saudi clubs this summer, triggering significant changes in their midfield.
- Manager Jurgen Klopp has brought in Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai to help fill the void left by Henderson and Fabinho.
- Liverpool’s squad saw a shift in leadership, with Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold taking over as captain and vice-captain, respectively.