Liverpool star in SHOCK £40m deal to join Henderson in Saudi Pro League

Stuart Telford

• 13 Jul 2023 11:20 BST
• 3 min read

Al-Ittihad are lining up a shock bid for Liverpool star Fabinho, hot on the heels of Al-Ettifaq's "life-changing" offer for fellow Reds midfielder Jordan Henderson.

Liverpool are set to be raided by the Saudi Pro League this summer, although offers for the two players in question may not be entirely unwelcome.

Jurgen Klopp has already recruited Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai for his new-look midfield - from Brighton and RB Leipzig respectively - and they retain an interest in Southampton's Romeo Lavia.

READ: England star closing in on 'life-changing' transfer

While Henderson is only set to generate a £10m fee, Liverpool are set to receive four times that amount for Fabinho, who joined them for £39m from Monaco in 2018.

Al-Ittihad's 'concrete' offer

"Al-Ittihad are set to approach Liverpool with a concrete offer to buy Fabinho," reports The Athletic's David Ornstein. "The Saudi Pro League club's bid for the Brazilian international, 29, is expected to be worth £40 million and it is anticipated a decision will move quickly one way or the other."

It is thought Fabinho's sale will be dependent on Lavia's acquisition, with his defensive profile not something Liverpool have in abundance despite the growing number of midfielders on their books. It is understood Southampton want £50m for the former Manchester City youngster.

READ: 'Liverpool will sign another important midfielder this summer' - Romano

Nice's Khephren Thuram and Manu Kone of Borussia Monchengladbach are seen as alternatives, although the former has become increasingly attacking in recent seasons, despite his impressive physical stature.

Fabinho has won the Champions League and Premier League during his five seasons at Liverpool, and managed 49 games in all competitions for the Reds last term.

If Fabinho chooses to leave for Al-Ittihad, he would be joined at the King Abdullah Sports City by Ballon d'Or winner Karim Benzema and France World Cup winner N'Golo Kante, after their arrivals from Real Madrid and Chelsea respectively.