Ex-Wolves boss at heart of shock Liverpool £40m transfer as ‘done deal’ claim is made

Fabinho’s reported £40m move from Liverpool to Al-Ittihad is a ‘done deal’, according to the latest reports from Saudi Arabia, with the Reds midfielder a ‘top priority’ for Nuno Espírito Santo.

The ex-Wolves boss moved to Saudi Arabia in 2022 following a short spell with Tottenham Hotspur. A number of stars from European football are being linked with transfers to the Middle East after a number of shock moves already this summer.

Nuno has already signed former Real Madrid star Karim Benzema and ex-Chelsea man N’Golo Kante this window while Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves made the £47m move to Al Hilal last month.

Fabinho emerged as a shock target for Nuno’s Saudi Pro League side on Thursday, with the Jeddah-based club said to be preparing a £40m offer for the midfielder.

Saudi media outlet Neews Sports claim the deal is now done, as Liverpool’s midfield continues to undergo a number of changes ahead of the 2023-24 Premier League campaign.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano adds the 29-year-old has been approached as he’s a “top priority” for Al-Ittihad boss Nuno, with the 49-year-old “pushing” to have the player at the club.

The Brazilian has played 219 times for Liverpool since his move from AS Monaco in 2018. He has won the Champions League, Premier League, UEFA Super Cup, Club World Cup, FA Cup and Carabao Cup with the Reds, playing a key role in the success under Jurgen Klopp.

Jordan Henderson has also been linked with a shock move to Saudi Arabia and has reportedly accepted a proposal from Al Ettifaq, managed by Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard. Although the deal is still hinged on an agreement between the clubs.

Liverpool have yet to receive a formal bid but Al Ettifaq do not have the same financial power as Al-Ittihad, with the latter 75 per cent owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund - who also own an 80 per cent stake in Newcastle United.

It could mean a much-changed midfielder for the Reds when they visit Wolves early in the 2023-24 campaign as the two sides meet on Saturday, September 16 at 12.30pm.