Al-Ittihad have announced the signing of Fabinho from Liverpool in a deal believed to be worth £40m.
Fabinho brings his five-year stay at Anfield to an end after putting pen to paper on a three deal with the Saudi Arabian club. The 29-year-old did not travel with Jurgen Klopp’s side on their trip to Singapore as he resolved his future.
He missed Liverpool’s pre-season camp in Germany after Al-Ittihad made a £40m bid for him. The move was in jeopardy after a delay in the process, however, negotiations resumed and an agreement was finally reached between both clubs.
The Brazilian, who had three years left on his current contract joined the Reds from AS Monaco in 2018 in a deal worth around £39m.
He featured in 219 games, scored 11 goals, and provided 10 assists across all competitions for Liverpool.
Last season, the defensive midfielder was ever-present for the Merseysiders despite an underwhelming campaign. The former AS Monaco ace featured in 49 games and recorded two assists in all competitions as they finished 5th in the Premier League table.
He played a crucial role in helping Liverpool win several titles including the Premier League, Champions League, Club World Cup, and FA Cup.
Fabinho becomes the fifth midfielder to leave the club this summer following the exits of Naby Keita, James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and skipper Jordan Henderson.
He joins his international teammate Roberto Firmino and Henderson in the Saudi Pro League after the latter completed his £12m switch to Al-Ettifaq.
Fabinho will be play alongside Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, and Jota under the tutelage of Nuno Espirito Santo.
The Reds have been busy in the transfer market so far by bringing in Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai but they want to make further midfield reinforcements.
Liverpool are hopeful of signing Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia in the coming weeks after tabling an improved offer which is believed to be closer to the Saints’ valuation of £50m.
Personal terms won’t be an issue between the 19-year-old and the Reds.
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