Romano: 29-year-old’s Liverpool exit ‘on the verge of being completed’

Romano says Fabinho is close to leaving Liverpool for Al-Ittihad

A recent update by Fabrizio Romano has made it clear that Fabinho Tavares’ transfer from Liverpool to Al-Ittihad will go ahead unless there is a last-minute hiccup.

The 29-year-old Brazil international has been linked with a surprise move to the Saudi Pro League club in recent weeks. The Saudi clubs are raiding European teams for top talent.

What they lack in competitiveness and in cultural clout (in reference to football), they make up with big-money contracts. Jordan Henderson has already left us for Al-Ettifaq.

Fabinho could follow suit and bring an end to his five-year stay at Anfield, where he won every major trophy once. Romano’s latest tweet on the matter read:

“Understand Al Ittihad and Liverpool are closing in on Fabinho deal. Agreement on verge of being completed #LFC still cautious as documents have to be checked but it’s v close. Fabinho will undergo medical soon, if all goes to plan. Three year deal agreed with the player.”

Sigh. James Milner, Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Henderson and now Fabinho. The core of our midfield is disappearing.

It shouldn’t be a massive problem if we are able to replace these players properly. Alex and Naby were injury-prone, Hendo was well into his 30s and Fabinho’s form blew hot and cold last season.

More Liverpool News

• Fabinho won’t travel to Singapore with the Liverpool pre-season squad as Al-Ittihad move draws closer
• Ryan Babel gives Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp verdict
• Liverpool won’t necessarily sign a centre-back this transfer window

But that is the crucial part… signing replacements. Romeo Lavia seems like a smart target to pursue but even if he arrives at Anfield, this team could use one (maybe two more) midfielder(s).