Fabinho’s five-season stint with Liverpool has officially concluded following his transfer to the Saudi Pro League champions, Al Ittihad.
The Brazil international, a pivotal figure in Jurgen Klopp’s starting lineup during their memorable Champions League and Premier League triumphs, has now joined Nuno Espirito Santo’s squad. Al Ittihad has been bolstering its ranks this summer, also securing the signings of Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, and Jota.
Initially, there were concerns that the transfer might encounter issues related to the proposed payment arrangement. However, the deadlock was swiftly resolved, and Fabinho underwent a medical examination.
اهلاً فابينهو في معقل النمور 🐅 #صيفية_العميد pic.twitter.com/YazXO62Gxq
— نادي الاتحاد السعودي (@ittihad) July 31, 2023
A statement from Liverpool expressed gratitude to Fabinho for his significant contributions to the club’s successes over the past five years.
Reads: “Everyone at Liverpool FC would like to thank Fabinho for all of his contributions to the club’s successes during the last five years.”
Fabinho is now the second midfielder from Liverpool to make a move to the Saudi Pro League, following in the footsteps of former club captain Jordan Henderson, who joined Al Ettifaq to reunite with his former teammate Steven Gerrard.
Since his arrival at Anfield in 2018, the former Monaco star has amassed 219 appearances for Liverpool and scored 11 goals. In the 2021/22 season, Fabinho achieved a remarkable feat, winning not only the Champions League and Premier League but also the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup.
As Liverpool faced challenges in their quest for Champions League qualification in the 2022–2023 season, Fabinho came under scrutiny and criticism.
Consequently, the Reds took steps to strengthen their central areas early in the summer transfer window, acquiring Alex Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai from Brighton and RB Leipzig, respectively. Additionally, several long-time squad members, including James Milner, Naby Keita, Roberto Firmino, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, have left the club.
.@_fabinhotavares has today completed a permanent transfer to Al-Ittihad after five years with the Reds.
We would like to thank Fabinho for all of his contributions to the club’s successes during the last five years 👏
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 31, 2023