Fabinho’s move to Saudi side Al-Ittihad could collapse after an unexpected delay in the transfer, it has been reported.
The 29 year old was thought to have agreed a deal to make the move, set to net Liverpool a fee of £40m as part of their major midfield overhaul this summer, joining the likes of Naby Keita, Jordan Henderson, James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in leaving Anfield following a disappointing 5th placed finish last season.
According to the Athletic though, the deal has hit a snag and is now ‘in jeopardy’, meaning that the Brazilian could yet stay at Anfield. Indeed, he is set to return to training with his fellow teammates following their preseason tour of Germany.
However, all is not lost, and the Athletic claim that Fabinho himself ‘is said to have behaved impeccably throughout and the strong links his representative Jorge Mendes has to Liverpool and Saudi make it conceivable that the switch still happens despite this stall’.
Furthermore, they add that ‘all parties remain committed to getting it done if possible’, which means that should it prove possible, it is a deal that is likely to get done even if it drags on a little longer than expected.
Al-Ittihad have been one of the busiest sides in the Saudi League this summer, and have already signed French pair Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante, who Fabinho will partner in midfield.
Liverpool, meanwhile, are already sounding out replacements for the Brazilian and have initiated contacts with Southampton for Romeo Lavia, who is keen on a move to Anfield this summer.
