Surprise at Liverpool, new Fabinho is already in pre-season and will cost the club nothing

Saudi Arabian club Al Ittihad announced on Monday the signing of Brazilian midfielder Fabinho from Liverpool, who will join Frenchman Karim Benzema. The 29-year-old will be linked to Al Ittihad until 2026, according to information released by the Jeddah-based club on their social media. As with their recent international signings, such as Benzema, France's N'Golo Kanté and Portugal's João Filipe 'Jota', Al Ittihad did not disclose the cost of the deal.

Liverpool confirmed the transfer and said farewell to the centre-half in a statement in which they recalled the Brazilian's "memorable time" at Anfield. Fabinho made 219 appearances for Liverpool since 2018 and was one of the key players in Jurgen Klopp's side's 2019 Champions League triumph and the 2019-2020 English league season. Liverpool's Brazilian midfielder Fabinho signed a three-year contract with Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad, the two clubs announced on Monday.

The 29-year-old joins the Jeddah-based side for a reported 46 million euros ($51 million). Fabinho will be joined at his new club by other players who have shone in European football in recent years, including France's Karim Benzema and N'Golo Kanté.

The new Fabinho

One of the youngsters taking part in Liverpool's pre-season training camp now in Singapore is 18-year-old midfielder Bobby Clark, who has been playing a big part in Liverpool's preparatory matches. According to sources close to the club, he is seen as Fabinho's natural replacement and will have to prove that he is capable of playing for the first team.