Brazilian midfielder Fabinho has officially parted ways with Liverpool and signed a three-year deal with Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad. The move comes after Al-Ittihad made an impressive £40 million ($51 million) bid for the 29-year-old, securing his services for their team. Fabinho will now join the ranks of fellow football stars Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante at Al-Ittihad, one of the four Saudi clubs controlled by the Gulf state’s sovereign wealth fund.
Fabinho’s stint with Liverpool began in 2018 when he joined from Monaco. Over the course of five remarkable years, he made 219 appearances for the Reds, leaving an indelible mark on the club’s history. During his tenure, Fabinho played a pivotal role in their success, contributing to their triumphs in major competitions such as the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, and Club World Cup.
The Brazilian midfielder took to Twitter to express his gratitude and emotions on bidding farewell to Liverpool. “Today I leave my home. It’s been five years wearing this jersey and always with the greatest honor and happiness possible,” Fabinho wrote, as he embarks on a new chapter in his illustrious career. “Since day one at Liverpool, I’ve been embraced by everyone. In these five years, I grew as a player, as a man, I made dreams come true… With that jersey, I won every title a player can dream of.”
Fabinho’s departure adds to the recent exodus of key players from Liverpool. Last week, club captain Jordan Henderson bid adieu to Anfield after a remarkable 12-year stay, opting to play for Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia under the tutelage of Steven Gerrard. Another compatriot, Roberto Firmino, also left Merseyside this month, signing for Al-Ahli.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has witnessed several midfielders leave on free transfers, including Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and James Milner, since the conclusion of last season. Despite these departures, the club has been actively reinforcing its midfield, securing the signings of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai.
Fabinho’s move to Al-Ittihad marks a significant transition in his career, as he embraces the challenges and opportunities that await him in Saudi Arabia. His immense contribution to Liverpool’s success will be forever etched in the hearts of fans as he embarks on a new adventure with Al-Ittihad.
