New Delhi: Saudi Pro League’s club Al-Ittihad confirmed the signing of Liverpool’s midfielder Fabinho in a £40 million deal until 2026. As Brazilian midfielder is set to leave Anfeild after five years, he will bid farewell as a legend of the Reds.
Al-Ittihad’s another high-profile signing
The club announced the deal on Monday night with a video and captioned it as ‘Tigers may pass’, followed by an official club photo of the player with the caption ‘Welcome Fabinho to Tigers home’ Anfield. The 29-year-old is under contract until 2026.
Official, confirmed. Fabinho to Al Ittihad, deal completed until June 2026 🟡⚫️🇸🇦 pic.twitter.com/ovM9giODsU
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 31, 2023
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What Fabino says
Fabinho says he will leave “home” “with the utmost honor and happiness” after five years with Liverpool.
He said: “I say this with a joyful heart. I love this club. Thank you, Reds, for everything we have experienced together.”
Fabinho is Al Ittihad’s latest high-profile signing this summer as part of a wider influx of players into the Saudi Pro League. Ballon d’Or winner and former Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema, former Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante, former Celtic striker Jota, all managed by former Wolves and Spurs manager Nuno Espirito Santo.
Big picture
Al-Ittihad said the signing of Fabinho was part of an effort to “strengthen the squad with excellent players who will support them in the next phase, including in several domestic and international competitions”.
Fabinho’s career at Anfield
Fabinho has scored 11 goals in 219 appearances for Liverpool. During his time with the Reds, he helped the club win the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, League Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.
Liverpool would like to thank Fabinho for his contribution to the club’s success over the past five years. Midfield colleague Jordan Henderson also left the Merseyside club for Saudi Arabia. The England international joins Steven Gerrard’s Al Etifaq.
Liverpool have completely lost five midfielders this summer, with James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita also leaving at the end of their contracts.
Meanwhile, centre-back Virgil van Dijk replaced Henderson as Liverpool captain, while defender Trent Alexander-Arnold took over from Milner as vice-captain.
Here are top 5 goals of Fabino for Liverpool
5. Brentford 3-0 (H) 16/01/2022
It wasn’t the brightest goal, but it was an important one as Liverpool battled Manchester City for the league title in January. With Jürgen Klopp missing Sadio Mane and Mo Salah due to AFCON, he scored the first goal against a tough Brentford side.
4. Burnley 0-1 (A) 13 February 2022
Another goal that didn’t look pretty but was a match-winner in another important match in the title fight against Manchester City. More poaching instincts ran in and around the six-yard box, and eventually Fabinho put the ball into the net.
5️⃣ in 7️⃣ for @_fabinhotavares 🔥 pic.twitter.com/pwYF0eEjFR
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) February 13, 2022
3. Crystal Palace 4-0 (H) 34/6/20
With Liverpool on the verge of winning the league title for the first time in 30 years, it was an absolute hit. Unfortunately, our loss to Crystal Palace was played behind closed doors at Anfield.
5️⃣ in 7️⃣ for @_fabinhotavares 🔥 pic.twitter.com/pwYF0eEjFR
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) February 13, 2022
2. Villarreal 2-3 (A) 05.03.22
Another key goal in Liverpool’s comeback came in the Champions League semi-final against Villarreal. After a 2-0 down start, Fabinho’s goal lifted their form and they reached the final in Paris. Goals from Luis Diaz and Sadio Mane turned the game around.
- Manchester City 3-1 (H) 11/10/19
An absolute scream in the first six minutes, helping Liverpool overtake their main rivals and clinch the title. The win, though it happened in November, was pivotal for Liverpool on their road to the Premier League title. A goal worth watching over and over again.
WHAT A FINISH 🤩
Every angle of @_fabinhotavares' worldie against @ManCity 😱 pic.twitter.com/KIUmlXOzYW
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) November 13, 2019
