David Ornstein has revealed why an agreed Liverpool transfer could collapse, and it has nothing to do with a curious reason being touted in the media.
Both Fabinho and Jordan Henderson were on course to complete moves to the burgeoning Saudi Pro League. Henderson, 33, will cost Al Ettifaq £12m prior to add-ons and has agreed to sign a three-year deal worth £700,000-a-week.
The Liverpool captain passed a medical on Friday and why he’s leaving Anfield – aside from the mammoth payrise he’ll receive – has since come to light.
However, it’s not such smooth sailing regarding Fabinho’s proposed move to Al Ittihad.
The Brazilian is the subject of a £40m move that Fabrizio Romano declared was “done” on the player’s end last week.
Liverpool had given the greenlight for Fabinho to leave, though the move came to a screeching halt.
Speculation within the media suggested Fabinho could back out of the agreement if barred from bringing his dogs into Saudi Arabia.
Dangerous and aggressive dogs such as rottweilers and pit bulls are prohibited in Saudi Arabia and it was rumoured Fabinho’s two French bulldogs may fall into one of the forbidden categories.
However, according to the reliable David Ornstein, the dogs dilemma is nothing more than a red herring.
Writing for the Athletic, the trusted reporter declared “any doubt over the move has nothing to do with his two French bulldogs.”
Instead, there is a delay that has put the entire move “in jeopardy.”
Ornstein insisted all parties – Liverpool, Al Ittihad and Fabinho – remain “committed to getting [the deal] done.”
However, the delay – which Fabrizio Romano speculated centred around the documentation in the deal – is causing concern
The proposed move to Al Ittihad saw Fabinho left out of Liverpool’s pre-season tour of Germany. The Reds returned home on Monday and per Ornstein, Fabinho is now in line for a humbling return to training on Wednesday alongside the teammates he was on the cusp of ditching.
In any case, Ornstein stressed Fabinho has behaved “impeccably” during the transfer saga and it is conceivable the move will still go through despite the unexpected stall.
Even if Fabinho does wind up staying at Anfield, the Reds are still expected to sign a third new midfielder this summer.
Reports earlier on Tuesday claimed the Reds have agreed personal terms with Southampton’s Romeo Lavia. Talks with the Saints regarding the transfer fee are now underway.
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