Liverpool lost several key players in the last summer but arguably none were bigger than Fabinho and Bobby Firmino, now the pair have reunited for the first time as they faced off against each other in Saudi Arabia.

READ MORE: (Video) Henderson posts hypocritical Saudi video despite claiming it’s not part of his contract

Our former No.9 is captain for Al-Ahli and it was them who proved to be the victors over Al-Ittihad in the meeting of our two ex-Brazilians, on a night were two of the best clubs in the Saudi Pro League came head-to-head.

VOTE for Empire of the Kop as Best Club Content Creator (Premier League) here: Football Content Awards
OR on X with Empire’s one-click X link with: I am voting in @The_FCAs for @empireofthekop in Best Club Content Creator (Premier League)

It’s certainly interesting to see the strong connection between our club and the middle eastern league in terms of former players, with a meeting between two seemingly happening nearly every week.

You can view images of Fabinho and Firmino via OneFootball:

EOTK FPL Gameweek 7 Review : Disaster for Liverpool, captain Watkins? Injuries piling up…

The post (Images) Firmino and Fabinho reunite in Saudi Arabia in first meeting since Anfield departures appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

Despite the claims of many that have made the move to Saudi Arabia, the standard of football is far below that of the major European leagues – something Fabinho seems to have quickly got used to.

Footage from Al-Okhdood’s latest game against Al-Ittihad showed the Brazilian being nutmegged by Leandre Tawamba.

READ MORE: (Video) Alisson reacts to winning another award with ‘special’ save

Although the skill is somewhat impressive, it’s the total lack of a reaction from our No.3 that calls into question the standard of the football in the Middle East.

The slow pace of the game and lack of intensity shows just how much of a step down the Saudi Pro League is, from the pinnacle of football at Anfield.

You can watch the video of Fabinho via @SPL_EN on X:

The cheekiest of tricks from @gael_kana ‍#yallaRSL #RoshnSaudiLeague pic.twitter.com/foD8Lcggqb

— Roshn Saudi League (@SPL_EN) September 14, 2023

#Ep90 of The Empire of the Kop Podcast: EOTK Insider with Steve Kay – Goncalo Inacio NEXT?

The post (Video) Clip of Fabinho ‘tackle’ in Saudi Pro League breaks the internet – Liverpool fans won’t believe it appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

Liverpool have a rather unwanted strong connection with Saudi Arabia, given the presence of the likes of Steven Gerrard, Bobby Firmino and Sadio Mane in their attempted challenge of the football hierarchy but some concerns have come from this.

It was reported by Nick Ames in The Guardian that: ‘European clubs are seeking guarantees that they will be paid the huge transfer fees agreed with Saudi Arabian clubs in full after a summer of unprecedented spending that has reshaped the transfer market’.

Given the sales of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho to the Saudi Pro League, we would seemingly be one of those who are fearing the full fees not being paid – a reported total of £52 million (via Football Insider).

READ MORE: (Video) Sports agent weighs in on Henderson debate; says move wasn’t for the money

Speaking with Football Insider, finance expert Kieran Maguire eased these concerns and claimed: “Clubs in Saudi Arabia will be under pressure to ensure that all signings and payments are made appropriately.

“They are fully aware that their proposal to host the World Cup in 2030 or 2034 is being considered.

“Given that Fifa monitors all outstanding international transfer debts, it would look very poor if there were a significant number of clubs from the Saudi Pro League who had not honoured their financial commitments.

READ MORE: Van Dijk ‘on his last legs’ – Dutch media tear into Virgil during international break

“So I don’t see this as being an issue going forwards.

“The metrics and optics of failing to pay would look so bad that it could potentially scupper a Saudi World Cup bid.“

Therefore, it seems that we shouldn’t be too concerned that Al-Ettifaq and Al-Ittihad won’t pay the Reds what they owe for two of our former midfield stars because they have so much riding on making the payments.

READ MORE: (Video) Defensive heroics deny Harvey Elliott beauty; left the ‘keeper for dead

If this sports washing attempt from those in the Middle East is to be completed, they will want a World Cup to show off their riches and improved football excellence.

To do that, we and many others will need to be paid in full otherwise a bid will be outright rejected at the outset.

Let’s hope this proves true in terms of money although a future where the Saudi Pro League continues to dominate world football – could well be a worrying one.

EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Schmadtke Liverpool’s long-term sporting director? BIG contract worry, Villa review, Academy flourishing and much more!

The post Saudi World Cup bid may hinge partly on £52m Liverpool payment – report appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

Change is inevitable and nothing embodies this phrase more than modern football. This summer has seen a wind of change blowing over Anfield. For a minute, forget that Liverpool released or sold six senior first-team players.

The Reds have found themselves in uncharted territory for the first time since Jurgen Klopp rocked up at Anfield with a big smile plastered on his face. After being touted as having one of the best transfer mechanisms in the league, arguably in the world of football, that was feared and revered in equal measure for its robustness, efficiency, and military-like precision, Liverpool have seemingly slipped up.

For the first time in a long time, Liverpool have been embroiled in a bidding war, not once but twice, and with disappointing results both times. The Reds have struggled to find a perfect replacement for Fabinho. Although Liverpool have since signed Wataru Endo from VfB Stuttgart, his profile suggests he’s most likely a stop-gap solution before a more long-term signing is done in the coming transfer windows.

READ MORE: BBC pundit suggests Liverpool could sign ex-midfield target after Man City complete transfer

READ MORE: Liverpool interested in ‘defensive genius’; club director has already made transfer future clear – The Athletic

The signing of the 30-year-old Japan international departs from the club’s long-held strategy of recruiting relatively younger players with big potential. Previously, Klopp combined excellently with the recruitment team headed by former sporting director Michael Edwards to silently pursue targets away from the media limelight and get the deal for their man over the line without much fuss. So, what changed? How then did Liverpool find themselves in such a tricky position that they had to depart from their tried and tested transfer strategy? To be fair, the club’s recruitment department is in a transitional period.

Liverpool are wading through the treacherous waters of the transfer season without the valuable input of the highly-regarded ‘laptop guru’ after Edwards stepped down as Liverpool’s sporting director at the end of the 2021/22 season. His replacement, Julian Ward, also stepped down barely a year into the role. The Reds have since appointed Jorg Schmadtke as the new sporting director.

Back to the departures. Six players left Anfield this summer, including James Milner, Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Roberto Firmino, Fabinho, and skipper Jordan Henderson. Of the six, one particularly stood out – Fabinho. While some were released due to age, others due to reliability and fitness issues, Fabinho’s was a curious case. The Brazilian had been a lynchpin of Klopp’s all-conquering midfield since his arrival from Monaco. However, last season saw his form drastically dip and, unsurprisingly, the team’s form followed suit. It wasn’t lost on keen observers that the Reds were willing to risk sanctioning his move to the Saudi league, especially without a direct replacement lined up.

What has followed has been an almost panicked attempt to try and find cover for the defensive midfield position. As highlighted in the pre-season games and during the season opener against Chelsea, Liverpool are suffering from some shaky moments at the back and a reliable central defensive midfield would go some way in helping screen the backline.

Liverpool remain among the favourites to finish in the top four and potentially challenge for the title, according to Premier League odds. After a dismal performance last season that saw the Anfield side miss out on Champions League football, returning to the top four will be a step in the right direction. To do so, Jurgen Klopp will need to sort out his leaky defence and part of that solution entails finding an answer to his current defensive midfield conundrum. A strong and technically gifted No.6 who can drop in to cover for the marauding fullbacks is needed.

For now, it is clear with each passing day that Liverpool miscalculated with their gamble of releasing Fabinho. His switch to the Middle East has exposed Liverpool’s soft underbelly. And all the Kop Faithful can do now is wait with bated breath and crossed fingers, hoping that their club will manage to secure the services of a quality midfielder in the mould of Fabinho before the transfer deadline rolls around and the window slams shut.

#Ep88 of The Empire of the Kop Podcast: EOTK Insider with Neil Jones

The post How Fabinho’s Middle East move exposed Liverpool’s soft underbelly appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

Liverpool’s hopes of keeping Cheick Doucoue’s price-tag down ahead of an anticipated move for the Malian may very well depend on how timely their efforts are.

Chelsea have already been the first club to move in for their ideal pick of Michael Olise (Fabrizio Romano), whilst Football.London (via the Daily Mail) reports that Tottenham are keeping tabs on Eberechi Eze.

Similar to concerns the Reds had about Cody Gakpo’s asking price back in January (Neil Jones), any bid for the Eagles’ 23-year-old holding midfielder will surely be impacted by the imminent departure of the former teammate. Add on a further exit from the latter and the Merseysiders’ recruitment team may be forced to stump up a higher fee.

READ MORE: Liverpool keeping two midfielders in mind as personal terms no issue for Doucoure – Delaney

READ MORE: Liverpool advancing & could sign new No.6 for £20m less than expected – Miguel Delaney

Unfortunately, the time has been and gone for us to snap up Doucoure at an especially cut-price rate, though Miguel Delaney has noted that it could still be possible to keep the price down around (or under) the £60m mark.

Already one game into the season – after having broadcast to the footballing world just how big our transfer kitty is – that figure wouldn’t necessarily be disastrous, even if Palace’s Player of the Year wasn’t our first-choice option to plug the No.6 gap.

A defensively dominant resource for the Eagles last term, with FBref ranking the ex-Lens man in the 77th, 94th and 78th percentiles for tackles, interceptions and blocks (amongst his midfield peers), however, it’s clear that the transfer would at least tick one major box for Liverpool going into the remainder of the campaign.

EOTK FPL Gameweek 1 Review : Luis Diaz starting as he means to go on? Forget Haaland… Isak the man to watch?

The post Liverpool could repeat PSV trick for Fabinho replacement as Chelsea advance on Palace appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

Whilst Liverpool are still trying to find a replacement for Fabinho, he’s made his debut in Saudi Arabia and received a remarkable present from a local journalist.

After helping his new side defeat Al-Raed 3-0 in the season opener, the Brazilian was met by Ibrahim Al-Faryan and presented what seemed to be an expensive watch.

READ MORE: (Video) Salah backed to beat Haaland to Premier League golden boot

It was a heart-in-mouth moment for everyone when our former No.3 dropped the gift but it just goes to show the level of wealth that is present in the middle eastern nation.

Perhaps James Pearce, Paul Joyce and Neil Jones could learn a thing or two from this lot and then we might not lose any more players to the Saudi Pro League!

You can watch the video of Fabinho via @alaa_saeed88 on X:

الاعلامي " ابراهيم الفريان " يقوم بإهداء محترف #الاتحاد ( فابينهو ) .. " ساعة " كونه أحد نجوم المباراة#الاتحاد_الرائد#دوري_روشن_السعودي pic.twitter.com/43HEM6jWXw

— علاء سعيد (@alaa_saeed88) August 14, 2023

EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Lavia latest, Liverpool should ask Madrid transfer question, Ligue 1 destroyer everyone in France is talking about, John Henry at Anfield and much more!

The post (Video) Fabinho presented with expensive watch from Saudi journalist after debut performance appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

Sadio Mane has revealed that two of his former Liverpool teammates played a significant role in convincing him to join the Saudi Pro League revolution of 2023.

The 31-year-old only left Anfield for Bayern Munich a year ago, but he recently joined Al Nassr, becoming the fourth member of the Reds’ Premier League-winning squad of 2020 to move to the Middle Eastern country since the end of last season.

Jordan Henderson (Al Ettifaq), Bobby Firmino (Al Ahli) and Fabinho (Al-Ittihad) have also traded Merseyside for the Middle East, and the Senegal attacker said that the latter two had a big hand in persuading him to make that career decision.

Mane told The National: “I think first of all I spoke with Firmino for sure. I think he wanted me to come to the wrong club – I’m joking! He always called two or three times to convince me to come to Al Ahli.

“At the same time I spoke with Fabinho because he was quite close to me and he also wanted me to come to Al Ittihad, but in this time when Al Nassr came, I chose Al Nassr.”

The 31-year-old added that his mother also encouraged him to make the Saudi Arabia move, explaining: “Since I had the opportunity I spoke to my family, and they were happiest of course because it is a Muslim country. 

“My mum especially encouraged me to go. My mum is Muslim like me, she was the first to vote for me to go there and my whole family was excited for me to come here so it was not hard – it is important to my faith.”

READ MORE: (Video) ‘A big reason…’ – Jordan Henderson explains his decision to leave Liverpool for Al Ettifaq

READ MORE: ‘Are you worried…’ – Former EPL winner fears for Liverpool player who looks ‘unsure’ of his role

Mane’s move to the Saudi Pro League didn’t have the same shock value as Henderson and Fabinho, for instance, with the Senegal star enduring an unhappy time in Munich during his sole season at Bayern as his performances were criticised and he fell out with teammate Leroy Sane.

Religious reasons also appear to have been a central factor in him joining Al Nassr, and a friendly word from some of his former Liverpool teammates must’ve been quite persuasive as well.

Still, if you were told on 22 July 2020 – the night the Reds lifted the Premier League trophy – that four key members of the squad would be playing in Saudi Arabia within three years, you’d have found it impossible to believe.

Even after a widespread summer influx of high-profile footballing talent to the Middle East, it seems crazy to comprehend that so many glittering players are no longer involved with Europe’s major clubs.

The thing is…who could be next? We surely haven’t heard the last of the big-name signings from Saudi Pro League teams.

EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Lavia ‘complication’, Mo Salah to Saudi? Kane could do Liverpool transfer favour, Andre latest and much more!

The post ‘He always called…’ – Ex-Liverpool ace names three people who convinced him of Saudi move appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

It’s no secret that Fabinho, Bobby Firmino, Jordan Henderson, Steven Gerrard and Sadio Mane have all swapped Merseyside for Saudi Arabia and three of the new middle east stars were unveiled in front of their new fans.

All the league’s major new acquisitions were on show but there was strangely no place for the Brazilians as champions Al-Ittihad showed off the likes of Karim Benzema, Nuno Espirito Santo and Romarinho instead of our former No.3.

READ MORE: Carragher tells Neville ‘you haven’t a clue’ in online FSG spat

It’s strange to see such a strong Liverpool representation in the Saudi Pro League and there will be many of our supporters keeping an eye on results and performances of our former heroes.

It’s set to be a landmark year for the newest force in football and may well pave the way for a game changing league to become a real major force.

You can view the images of Henderson, Gerrard and Mane via @SPL_EN on X:

#Ep83 of The Empire of the Kop Podcast: EOTK Insider with Neil Jones

The post (Images) Henderson, Gerrard and Mane unveiled to Saudi fans but Fabinho and Firmino absent appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

Did anyone really buy that scripted goodbye message our former captain Jordan Henderson uploaded to social media, after he’d already left? 

My word, it was vacuous. The midfielder had already been snapped training with his new team-mates when the video was released. We all knew it was coming, as he’d been caught filming it a few days before – so the whole thing was just an uncomfortable, boring goodbye that completely ignored the controversy of his exit. 

Obviously. He’s not going to come out and start talking about his own hypocrisies in being an ally of the LGBTQ+ movement at the same time as taking the money from a State in which you can be executed for being gay. Of course he isn’t. Do a nice PR video, say the right things, crack on. Treat us like we’re stupid. The thing that makes me most sad about this is you wonder if he ever meant any of it in the first place. 

People are complex, though. Nobody is all good, or all bad. He probably meant the good things he said at the time. They probably came from his heart. Then, the money was too much to turn down. That’s all it is. We’ve all got a price. Mine is probably less than his (£700k/week), but in fairness, I’m not already the captain of Liverpool, a multi-millionaire, a role model for millions and an England international. 

There’s still time…

Al Ettifaq obviously rubbed salt in the wound with their hideous announcement video, which greyed out the rainbow captain armband Hendo wore at Liverpool. It was a calculated, premeditated F*ck You to everyone who finds the fact homosexuality in Saudi Arabia is illegal and punishable by death disappointing. 

Last year, Saudii Arabia executed 64 people on one day, in one instance. There is a woman spending the next 34 years of her life in appalling prison conditions for the crime of speaking out against the regime on social media. 

BuT wHaT aBoUt BenzEmA AnD HenDo AnD KantE ThO! 

Yeah, fair enough. The money has won. Maybe it always does. Maybe it always will. But this summer football has gone from being a capitalist venture run by corrupt egomaniacs to something even worse. It’s revealed its soul, or the fact it no longer has one. If Henderson can take the money, anyone can. It’s like the Joker testing and turning Harvey Dent, just because he could. Some people just want to watch the world burn. 

Liverpool are not innocent in this. We’re taking the money. We’re part of the problem. £40m for a legless Fabinho is great business. Almost as good as Newcastle selling Alain Saint-Maximimin to Al Alhi for an overinflated £30m. Remember, PIF own both clubs. Newcastle now have a perfect opportunity to balance their books. There are four clubs in Saudi Arabia owned by the State who will always buy the deadwood. There’s always a way around FFP, if you’re rich enough. That’s why Manchester City will employ 500 lawyers to fight their multiple cases until the paperwork mounts so high nobody can do anything. 

This summer was our big rebuild. We’ve signed two midfielders, but we need two more and two defenders. 

The back page of the Sunday Mirror  last weekendhad Kylian Mbappe touted as a loan target. That’d be fun. At least the Frenchman turned down the Saudi billions, but he’s got his own games. He’ll be at Real Madrid by 2024 either way. 

That Mitchell and Webb sketch mocking the endless cycle of football news, matches and transfers has never felt more apt. It’s gone from a millionaire’s passion, to a billionaire’s plaything to a State’s image-washing tool. 

And it’s only going one way. More money, more problems. 

The season starts in eight days.  

The post Editor’s Column: Do footballers think we’re stupid? Do I still care about it all? appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

Rebeca Tavares, the wife of former Liverpool midfielder Fabinho, took to Instagram to share an emotional farewell message after her husband’s move to Al-Ittihad was confirmed earlier this week.

The Brazil midfielder ended his five-year stay at Anfield as he transferred to the Saudi Pro League in a £40m deal (Sky Sports).

Having posted his own words of goodbye on Twitter on Monday night, his wife also took to social media to publicly express her gratitude for their time on Merseyside.

Sharing numerous photos of their family and a compilation video of memorable Fabinho moments at Liverpool via Instagram, she said: “My heart it’s beating fast… I was not prepared to say goodbye ( and I’m not ) but this is life, this is football.

“What a beautiful history we made here. What a history “lighthouse” made here. ONCE A RED, ALWAYS A RED. My son will know about you, Anfield. #ynwa , never!!! THANK YOU FOR ALL THE SUPPORT AND LOVE.”

READ MORE: Liverpool set for further frustration in Lavia pursuit as Saints move the goalposts – report

READ MORE: Contact made: Liverpool pursuing cut-price Lavia alternative after latest Saints snub – Melissa Reddy

Fabinho seemed to very much come through the back door when he signed for Liverpool, arriving within 48 hours of the Reds’ heartbreaking Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid in Kiev.

He went on to win that competition in his first season at Anfield and played an integral role in the Premier League triumph a year later, scoring a thunderous long-range effort in a famous win over Manchester City.

The 2021/22 season was perhaps his best for the club, registering an impressive eight goals from defensive midfield (Transfermarkt) as he helped his team to win two trophies and come within two matches of claiming an unprecedented quadruple.

Even if his final campaign with Liverpool saw his performance levels drop below his usual standards, he still proved well worth his £39m outlay (BBC Sport) throughout his 219 appearances for us (Transfermarkt).

From what Fabinho and Rebeca shared on social media over the past couple of days, it’s clear that LFC will always hold a special place in their hearts, and we wish them the very best with whatever the future holds for them.

You can see Rebeca Tavares’ Instagram post below, via @rebecatavares:

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Rebeca Tavares (@rebecatavares)

The post ‘I was not prepared’ – Rebeca Tavares posts emotional Instagram message after Fabinho’s LFC exit appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

Liverpool midfielder Fabinho has posted an emotional message on his Twitter page after completing a move to Saudi Pro League side Al Ittihad.

The Brazil international became recognised as one of the best deep-lying midfielders in the world following his £43m move from Monaco to Merseyside in 2018.

He struggled for form last term, however, and after being the subject of a £40m bid from the Middle Eastern outfit earlier this month his move to the Gulf nation has now been confirmed by Fabrizio Romano on Twitter.

READ MORE: (Video) ‘Wow’ – Rickie Lambert recounts the time Lucas made Gerrard go ‘absolutely berzerk’ during Liverpool training

Fabinho’s exit, alongside Jordan Henderson’s departure also to Saudi Arabia, has came as a huge surprise to many Reds supporters and despite the signings of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai this summer it’s imperative that more new faces are added to our engine room.

Romeo Lavia is the likeliest player to be the next to arrive at L4 but it remains to be seen whether Liverpool meet Southampton’s £50m asking price for the 19-year-old.

Our former No. 3 won every major trophy possible during his time at the club and although it’s sad to see him go we wish him all the best for the future as Klopp’s midfield rebuild continues.

Check Fabinho’s touching statement out below via Twitter:

Today I leave my home. It's been five years wearing this jersey and always with the greatest honor and happiness possible. Since day one at Liverpool, I've been embraced by everyone. What I saw inside this club, the relationship between the people there, made me feel like family.… pic.twitter.com/r2c7dOwKqV

— Fabinho (@_fabinhotavares) July 31, 2023

The post Fabinho releases touching Liverpool statement as Al Ittihad transfer is confirmed by Romano appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

Liverpool are on the brink of losing yet another midfielder with Fabrizio Romano revealing that Fabinho has completed his medical with Al Ittihad.

The Brazil international was the subject of a £40m bid from the Saudi Pro League side recently and has not travelled to Asia with the rest of Jurgen Klopp’s squad.

The transfer specialist also revealed that the 29-year-old is set to pen a three-year deal in the Middle East.

Fabinho has completed medical tests as Al Ittihad player, here we go! 🟡

Liverpool and Al Ittihad are still waiting to sign documents, medical approved as verbal agreement has been reached.

Deal being completed and sealed on three year contract. pic.twitter.com/7zm9rkXAec

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 28, 2023

READ MORE: ‘Help us a lot’ – Kostas Tsimikas impressed by Liverpool’s transfer business so far

Klopp has already seen James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keita and Jordan Henderson leave the club this summer and with Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai joining the club it’s fair to say our engine room is going to look a lot different come the start of the new campaign.

Since joining from Monaco in the summer of 2018 Fabinho has become recognised as one of the best deep-lying midfielders in the world.

He did struggle for consistency last term, however, so many supporters will be pleased that the Reds are set to receive £40m for the Brazilian.

After winning every major trophy with the club it’s a shame that our No. 3 – as well as Henderson – will not get a proper Anfield farewell but all good things must come to end!

#Ep83 of The Empire of the Kop Podcast: EOTK Insider with Neil Jones

The post ‘Here we go!’ – Liverpool transfer exit edges closer with fresh Fabrizio Romano update appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

Fabrizio Romano has tweeted an update on Fabinho’s prospective exit from Liverpool on Friday morning, stating that his proposed move to Al-Ittihad is ‘closing in’.

Although the 29-year-old’s transfer to the Saudi Pro League encountered some delays earlier this week (The Athletic), it seems that the transaction could now be very close to being completed.

Earlier this morning, the Italian journalist tweeted: “Understand Al Ittihad and Liverpool are closing in on Fabinho deal. Agreement on verge of being completed. #LFC still cautious as documents have to be checked but it’s v close. 

“Fabinho will undergo medical soon, if all goes to plan. Three year deal agreed with the player.”

READ MORE: Liverpool not giving up in chase for 23y/o tank who’s hinted he may leave current club – report

READ MORE: ‘8 out of 10 week in week out’ – Southampton journalist outlines what Liverpool could expect from Romeo Lavia

When it became known that the Brazil midfielder wouldn’t be travelling with the Liverpool squad to Singapore for the next stage of their pre-season preparations – having also been absent for the recent trip to Germany – any lingering hopes of the Saudi move falling through seemed to have ended.

The bureaucratical hold-up to the transfer earlier this week may have led to some Reds fans believing it might collapse, but Romano’s latest update suggests that the Fabinho’s exit is now a matter of when rather than if.

The 29-year-old will leave a substantial void in the Reds’ midfield once he goes, but efforts to fill that gap are continuing apace with the ongoing pursuit of Romeo Lavia, with Hampshire Live reporter Mark Wyatt hinting that the Belgian’s move could be finalised in the next seven days (The Redmen TV).

If both proposed transfers are completed soon, it’ll at least ensure that Liverpool have immediately brought in a defensive midfielder, even if the Southampton teenager lacks the experience that his Brazilian counterpart can boast.

Still, with Wyatt waxing lyrical over the Saints prodigy’s consistency, the blow of losing Fabinho should be softened considerably if Lavia is snapped up promptly.

You can see Romano’s tweet below, via @FabrizioRomano on Twitter:

Understand Al Ittihad and Liverpool are closing in on Fabinho deal. Agreement on verge of being completed #LFC still cautious as documents have to be checked but it’s v close.

Fabinho will undergo medical soon, if all goes to plan. Three year deal agreed with the player. pic.twitter.com/V5kz7lMRuz

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 28, 2023

#Ep83 of The Empire of the Kop Podcast: EOTK Insider with Neil Jones

The post ‘If all goes to plan…’ – Romano drops Liverpool exit update; player due for medical ‘soon’ appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

Jurgen Klopp is overseeing a major midfield revamp at Liverpool this summer.

With Jordan Henderson yesterday confirming that his 12-year stint at the club has came to end following his move to Saudi Pro League side Al Ettifaq, Fabinho is also believed to be close to moving to the Middle East while James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita all left last month following the expiry of their contracts.

Our No. 3 has been left out of the Reds squad that are set to travel to Singapore on Thursday but former Premier League striker Darren Bent believes there’s no reason for Liverpool fans to worry even if the 29-year-old does call it a day at Anfield.

“Fabinho hasn’t gone yet,” Bent told talkSPORT (via HITC). “I heard a silly rumour. That can’t be right about his dogs.

“Over the years, they have let a number of big players go. I wouldn’t be worried because I think more players will come in.

“They have purchased Alexis Mac Allister, who is a good player. They have brought in Dominik Szoboszlai. But I think they need more reinforcements.”

READ MORE: ‘Wonderful’ Liverpool defender set to sign new three-year deal; he could play big part this season – The Athletic

Since joining the club from Monaco in the summer of 2018 Fabinho, who was described as a monster by Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson back in 2020 following a superb performance as a makeshift centre half (as quoted by Daily Mail), has become recognised as one of the best deep-lying midfielders in the world.

He’s been an integral part of the success we’ve tasted in recent years with his tough tackling and reading of the game in the engine room.

Last season, however, the Brazil international struggled for consistency and with him approaching 30 years of age some supporters will believe it’s great business to receive £40m for his services – just £3m less than the fee we paid to Monaco five years ago.

Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai have been signed already this summer and Klopp and Co. are trying to complete a deal for Romeo Lavia with one bid already turned down by Southampton.

Our German tactician may have witnessed (or be about to witness) more outgoings than he had imagined at the start of the transfer window so it means that the club must act quickly to ensure that we don’t suffer a repeat of last season with our midfield looking tired and constantly dominated in games.

The remaining weeks of the transfer window are going to be exciting – let’s hope we can get more quality players through the door.

#Ep83 of The Empire of the Kop Podcast: EOTK Insider with Neil Jones

The post Pundit insists Liverpool shouldn’t be worried about losing 29 y/o ‘monster’ but urges Klopp to make more signings appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

Liverpool have left Fabinho out of their squad for their pre-season tour of Asia.

The Brazil international was the subject of a £40m bid from Saudi Pro League side Al Ittihad recently and although there were some suggestions that the deal is in jeopardy it’s believed that all parties involved remain eager to get a deal over the line.

The 29-year-old still has three years remaining on his current deal with the Reds so it’s a surprise to see him on the verge of leaving the club.

READ MORE: ‘Wonderful’ Liverpool defender set to sign new three-year deal; he could play big part this season – The Athletic

Fabinho is yet to feature for Liverpool in pre-season after also being omitted from the Reds’ trip to Germany recently where they faced Karlsruher and Greuther Furth in friendlies.

It appears that he’s already played his last game for the club with the finances on offer in the Middle East attracting another big name away from European football.

Jurgen Klopp and Co. are set to jet off to Singapore on Thursday where they’ll play both Leicester City and Bayern Munich before returning to England to face German outfit Darmstadt at Deepdale – the home of Preston North End.

Since joining from Monaco in 2018 our No. 3 has become recognised as one of the best deep-lying midfielders in the world.

He’s won every major trophy available during his time at L4 but after he struggled for consistency last term and with him approaching 30 years of age some supporters will be impressed that we’re set to receive £40m for his services.

#Ep83 of The Empire of the Kop Podcast: EOTK Insider with Neil Jones

The post Fabinho left out of Liverpool squad heading to Asia; Saudi switch is now just a matter of time – The Athletic appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.