Fabinho faces another obstacle on his way to Saudi Arabia from Liverpool. It has been almost two weeks since the move was offered by Al-Ittihad for $50 million and new reports suggest that the move might be in jeopardy.
The Athletic’s soccer correspondent David Ornstein reported that Fabinho’s transfer to Al-Ittihad is uncertain. It was earlier reported that the move might collapse solely because of the breed of his dogs. However, those reports have been dismissed by Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte.
As per the latest reports by Ornstein, the talks are still ongoing, and all parties are committed to the deal. The Brazilian midfielder is set to resume training in Liverpool on Wednesday until the move is finalized between the clubs.
Liverpool fly to Singapore on Thursday and no transfers look imminent…
For me it’s a disaster if we don’t get new signings in to play at least two pre season games.
— – (@JoshLFC1909) July 25, 2023
It is to be noted that no reason is given in the piece by Athletic for the transfer being in danger. However, it states that “negotiations and conversations are continuing” and “all parties remain committed.” The new reports state that these obstacles have nothing to do with dogs or their breeds.
Few reports coming out of Brazil suggested that the delays were instead due to bureaucratic details. The Saudi club is yet to furnish proof from the bank that they have released the necessary funds.
As a result of the ongoing transfer talks, Fabinho has been left out of the Liverpool squad for their pre-season training camp. Instead, he will train in England while the rest of the squad will be in Germany for the camp, from where they will fly to Singapore for pre-season fixtures against Leicester and Bayern Munich.
Liverpool looking at Joao Palhinha and Kalvin Phillips as replacements for Fabinho
The Athletic’s report suggests that both clubs are still committed to the deal, which will see Liverpool lose one of its key midfielders just before the start of the new Premier League season.
Liverpool have identified two players from the Premier League as the ideal replacements for the outgoing Brazilian. The Reds have set their eyes on Fulham’s Joao Palhinha and Manchester City’s Kalvin Phillips.
Liverpool are interested in acquiring the services of Fulham’s midfielder, who impressed during his first season in the Premier League. However, Palhinha suffered a shoulder injury in a pre-season friendly against Brentford, and he may have dislocated his shoulder, which would rule him out for a lengthy period of time.
You can see why Fulham want so much money for João Palhinha! 😮💨🇵🇹pic.twitter.com/jRVqL8SWBV
— 90min (@90min_Football) July 23, 2023
If Palhinha’s injury turns out to be serious, then Liverpool may consider turning to their title rivals, Manchester City, to acquire Kalvin Philips.
Philips is yet to cement himself in the starting lineup of Manchester City since his move from Leeds United in 2022. Last season, Philips only made 12 appearances in the Premier League for a combined time of 290 minutes. He will face tough competition to get into the lineup again, as Manchester City has signed another midfielder in Mateo Kovačić.
Philips’s current contract expires in 2028, which makes it difficult for Liverpool to acquire him. However, Manchester City might be tempted by a decent offer in order to remove his wages from their books.
Liverpool have their work cut out for themselves as the Premier League season starts in mid-August. The Reds might also look into possible moves for Bayern Munich‘s Ryan Gravenberch and Southampton’s Romeo Lavia if they cannot secure any of the above two targets.