Liverpool midfielder Fabinho’s move to Saudi Arabia appeared to be set in stone. However, recent developments have indicated that the proposed transfer has hit a stumbling block. The 29-year-old’s move even faces the possibility of collapsing entirely, solely because of the breed of his dogs.
The Selecao star has been the subject of interest from Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad. The club supposedly submitted an offer in the range of $50 million to Liverpool, which is said to have been accepted. It was only a matter of final checks and signatures before the deal was made official. However, it now faces jeopardy due to the possibility of the player’s dogs being banned from entering the Gulf nation.
According to reports, Fabinho’s £40m move to Saudi Arabia could collapse due to the breed of his dog being illegal in the country 🐕 🇸🇦 pic.twitter.com/Q1I3jmzQ3y
— SPORTbible (@sportbible) July 23, 2023
Saudi Arabia has strict laws in place to prohibit the entry of animals deemed ‘dangerous and aggressive’. A number of dog breeds also fall into this category, including Rottweilers and Pit Bulls. As for Fabinho, the player is the proud owner of two French bulldogs. And due to the lack of clarity provided by the rules, it has been assumed that ‘Frenchies’ could be grouped together with Pit Bulls.
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الخبر صحيح فعلًا .. قانونيًا نوعية الكلاب اللي يمتلكها فابينهو ممنوعة تمامًا من الدخول إلى السعودية تحت أي ظروف لإنها كلاب خطيرة وعدوانية.
الصفقة مهددة بالفشل بـسبب الكلاب 😨 pic.twitter.com/935dx4kBte
— عمرو (@bt3) July 23, 2023
A document listing out the rules in discussion has leaked online. It states the various hoops one must jump through in order to bring animals into the country. Furthermore, the final bullet point of the document clearly mentions that certain dog breeds are not permitted entry into the nation ‘under any circumstances’. The outcome of this complication remains to be seen, although the possibilities of a compromise are likely.
Liverpool eyeing Romeo Lavia as Fabinho replacement
With both Jordan Henderson and Fabinho headed for the exit doors, Liverpool are actively looking for the final piece to complete their midfield rebuild. The Reds have already recruited Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai for the No.8 spots. And Jurgen Klopp’s side is now looking at numerous candidates to fill out the defensive midfielder vacancy.
🥇| Romeo Lavia is Liverpool’s main midfield target this summer, with the player “on alert” about a potential move. However, “time and patience” is needed for a deal because Southampton are asking for close to €60m, which Liverpool are unwilling to pay. [@ladh] pic.twitter.com/18tzEap8ys
— Anfield Edition (@AnfieldEdition) July 24, 2023
Liverpool are reportedly interested in Southampton’s Romeo Lavia for the position. The 19-year-old is said to be the club’s ‘main midfield target’ for this summer. However, it could take plenty of time before the deal comes to fruition due to Southampton’s demands. The Saints are said to have priced Lavia at almost $65 million, a figure Liverpool are unwilling to pay.