Liverpool has omitted the Midfielder Fabinho from their squad for a training camp in Germany, responding to a £40 million bid from Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad
Liverpool’s midfielder Fabinho has been excluded from the team’s training camp in Germany following a £40 million bid from Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad. Meanwhile, Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson, who has also been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, has traveled with the squad. The offer for Fabinho arrived on Friday, prompting a decision to remove the 29-year-old from the touring party, which departed on Saturday.
Since joining Liverpool from Monaco in July 2018 for a fee of approximately £39 million, Fabinho has played a significant role in the club’s success, contributing to their triumphs in the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, League Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup.
There have been reports suggesting that Al-Ettifaq, managed by former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, is interested in acquiring Jordan Henderson. However, Liverpool has not disclosed their asking price for the 33-year-old midfielder, and the speculated £10 million offer falls significantly below the club’s valuation, especially considering Henderson’s two remaining years on his contract and his integral role within the team.
Liverpool has already been reshaping their midfield, with departures including James Milner, Naby Keita, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. The club has made signings such as Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton and Dominik Szoboszlai from RB Leipzig, while also considering long-term successors for Fabinho. Among the options being considered is 19-year-old Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia, although losing the experience of Fabinho and potentially Henderson is expected to influence the club’s transfer strategy.
Liverpool are believed to be considering several potential targets, excluding Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo, who is expected to join Chelsea.
The trend of players moving to Saudi Arabia
If Fabinho’s transfer to Saudi Arabia materializes, he would join a growing list of prominent players making moves to the country this summer. Among them is his former Liverpool teammate and fellow Brazilian, Roberto Firmino, who signed with Al-Ahli after his contract with Liverpool expired. Al-Ahli also secured the services of Senegalese goalkeeper Edouard Mendy from Chelsea.
Additionally, Al-Ittihad has been active in the transfer market, acquiring former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema, former Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante, and Portuguese forward Jota from Celtic.
Meanwhile, Al-Hilal has made notable signings, including Portugal midfielder Ruben Neves from Wolves and Senegalese defender Kalidou Koulibaly from Chelsea.
