Non-European club confirm arrival of 29-year-old from Liverpool

Fabinho’s Liverpool departure now confirmed as Al-Ittihad confirm his signing officially

Saudi Arabia club Al-Ittihad have announced the signing of midfielder Fabinho. It also confirms the Brazilian’s departure from Liverpool.

A few days ago, it was revealed in the Athletic (subscription required) that this move is in jeopardy due to certain reasons. That was put to bed when the midfielder was left out of the Liverpool pre-season squad going to Singapore last week to complete the move to Saudi.

The reported fee of this deal is £40m, meaning the Reds are selling the 29-year-old for just £3.7m less than what they bought him for in 2018 (£43.7m

from AS Monaco). He stayed here for five years and now leaving the club after having won every trophy possible.

Although Fabinho had an underwhelming last season, he will be remembered as a Liverpool legend for generations to come. He played a key role in the Reds winning the Champions League and the Premier League. He played his best football in a red shirt between the second half of the 2018/19 and the end of the 2019/20 season.

Some signs of decline were there for all of us to see during the 2021/22 campaign, but the player did well in the big moments. However, things went downhill last year and a decision had to be made about his future sooner than later.

Looking at the financial side of this deal, it is terrific business by Liverpool. They can use the money to hopefully complete the signing of Romeo Lavia and make another signing or two to bolster the defensive midfield department.

Fabinho becomes the third Reds player to leave for Saudi this summer, the second of them being our former captain Jordan Henderson. The first was Roberto Firmino, who left the club for free and signed for Al-Ahli.

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Both the midfielders were on the decline and the club have recouped a combined £52m (£12m for Henderson) from their sale. It is now important that the money is utilised towards signing proper, proven midfielders who instantly slot into the XI rather than just being youth prospects.