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The Brazil international joined the Saudi Pro League side in a £40m deal after five seasons at Anfield.

The 31-year-old made 219 appearances during his time with the Reds, returning 11 goals and nine assists, and was a key player as Liverpool won the Premier League, Champions League, League Cup and European Super Cup.

However, he suffered a drop-off in form during his final season with the Reds as Jurgen Klopp’s side missed out on qualifying for the Champions League.



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Liverpool would undergo a midfield revamp in the summer of 2023 as they brought in Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch for a little over £151m.

Meanwhile, Fabinho was one of a number of midfield departures as Jordan Henderson was also sold to Saudi Arabia while James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all left at the end of their contracts.

Looking back on his departure, the Brazilian has now admitted he did not want to leave and had not expected Liverpool to be open to selling him.

But after speaking to then-manager Klopp and realising the German would not fight to retain him, Fabinho decided it was the right time to move on.

“Liverpool is a sensational club that helps us with everything,” he told the Guardian.

I thought it was the best place in the world to play, to keep developing as a player.

“I wanted my legacy and my history at the club to grow even more but our last season was very gruelling, tiring.

“We didn’t do well and failed to qualify for the Champions League.

I lost my position as a starter for a few games, but that happens.

“I came back for the following season, even though the previous one hadn’t been good, with a very good mentality and wanting to fight for the Premier League title again.

“But before the season started, Al-Ittihad made an offer for me and the Liverpool directors said it was very good for the club and for me.

“I was afraid and decided to wait to see what [the coaching staff] would say.

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Fabinho has made 67 appearances for Al-Ittihad since leaving Liverpool, and played a vital role as the club won a Saudi Pro League and King’s Cup double last season.

But eyeing a recall to the Brazil national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup, he is not closing the door on a return to Europe - though admits he is unlikely to make a Premier League comeback.

“My goal is to play in the [2026] World Cup,”he said.

The Brazilian league is also an option – it is getting stronger and stronger – but I also want to go back to Europe.

“I want to play and fight for another Champions League title.

The Premier League is still the best league in the world, but I think I’d prioritise another country that I haven’t had the chance to play in yet.”


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