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Liverpool FC Supporters Club

Fabinho’s Controversial Challenge Takes the Saudi Pro League by Storm

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Fabinho, the iconic former Liverpool midfielder, made headlines when he ventured into the Saudi Pro League with Al Ittihad in a blockbuster £40 million summer transfer. His journey to this new chapter follows a glittering five-year stint at Anfield, where he not only amassed 219 appearances but also played an instrumental role in securing numerous accolades for the club, including Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, League Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup triumphs.

The departure of Fabinho from Liverpool was not without its share of complexities, as manager Jurgen Klopp openly acknowledged the allure of the Saudi league’s financial offerings. Klopp shared his perspective, stating, “It was a special situation for us. Bobby’s [Firmino] contract has expired. Of course, he can go and do whatever he wants. He just made his choice and that’s perfectly fine. When Hendo [Jordan Henderson] and Fabinho then sat in my office and talked to me about it, I knew when I found out more about the conditions that we have practically no chance of taking action against it.”

Fabinho’s new team, Al Ittihad, has been making waves in the Saudi Pro League, bolstering their squad with marquee signings like Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante this summer. The club currently sits atop the league standings, having clinched five wins in their first six games of the season.

However, Fabinho recently found himself at the center of attention for a rather unexpected reason. During a match against Al Akhdoud, Fabinho’s attempt at a tackle took an unexpected turn when he faced off against Leandre Tawamba. Instead of executing a swift challenge, Fabinho was nutmegged by the Cameroonian forward, who effortlessly slipped the ball through his legs.

Fabinho’s arrival at Al Ittihad was part of the club’s broader strategy to “reinforce the team with outstanding players, who will support their journey in the upcoming phase, which includes multiple domestic and international competitions.”