Fabinho’s proposed summer move from Liverpool to Al-Ittihad is now in doubt, according to a key update from reliable journalist David Ornstein.
The 29-year-old has been a fantastic player for the Reds since arriving from Monaco back in the summer of 2018, proving to be arguably the best defensive midfield at Anfield in the Premier League era
Fabinho has won all there is to win in a Liverpool shirt, including the league title and the Champions League, and while others have made more headlines, from Mohamed Salah to Virgil van Dijk, he has felt as important as anyone at times.
Recent reports have claimed that the Brazilian is set to depart Anfield for Saudi Arabia this summer, however, in what has been a shock exit rumour.
Now, The Athletic‘s Ornstein has taken to Twitter to explain that Fabinho’s move to Al-Ittihad is in danger of not going through for a number of key reasons:
“Fabinho transfer to Al-Ittihad in jeopardy. Talks ongoing + all parties committed to deal. But there is a delay & 29yo to resume LFC training on Weds, unless breakthrough made beforehand. Absolutely nothing to do with his dogs.”
Our thoughts on the latest surrounding Fabinho’s Liverpool future…
In an ideal world, Liverpool would still retain Fabinho’s services this summer, with the Brazil international still having plenty to offer as a squad player.
Granted, he was poor last season and is now arguably past his absolute best as a footballer, but with more midfield legs around him next season, he could flourish once again.
It does still seem likely that Fabinho will move on eventually, though, despite this update, and if he does, it is essential that at least one player replaces him, in order to fill the gap in the No.6 role.
Whoever comes in, whether it be Romeo Lavia or Cheick Doucoure – or both for that matter – will have big shoes to fill, assuming a summer exit is eventually sealed, as a wonderful five-year spell reaches its conclusion.
Suddenly seeing Fabinho commit his future to Liverpool would feel like a positive, though, at a time when things are starting to look a little threadbare in the middle of the park.