The upcoming summer transfer window has entered its early stages regarding foreign players in the Saudi Professional League, with Brazilian star Fabinho Ittihad midfielder , emerging as a highly sought-after player in his home country. Recent press reports indicate a fierce competition looming between Brazilian football giants Vasco da Gama and Palmeiras to sign the experienced player.
Details of the Brazilian offer and the player's stance
According to a report published Saturday by the Brazilian website NT Vascaínos , Vasco da Gama's management has not only shown interest but has also made initial contact with Fabinho's representatives to gauge his interest in returning to the Brazilian league. However, sources indicate that the task will not be easy, as the player has expressed a preference for a return to European football should he leave Saudi Arabia, driven by his family's desire to live in Europe.
The high salary that Fabinho receives with Al-Ittihad poses a major obstacle for Brazilian clubs, as the player is one of the main pillars of the Dean’s project, making the issue of covering his financial costs a major challenge for any club in South America, even with the approaching end of his contract next June, according to the Brazilian report.
Fabinho's career with Al-Ittihad and his statistics this season
The 32-year-old joined Al-Ittihad during the summer transfer window of the 2023/2024 season, arriving from Liverpool in a deal that was the talk of the world at the time. This season, Fabinho has continued to perform at his usual high level, making 16 appearances for the Tigers, scoring one goal and providing two assists, accumulating 1352 minutes of playing time. This reflects the coaching staff's reliance on him as an experienced midfielder.
Historical background: From Liverpool to Jeddah
It's impossible to talk about Fabinho without mentioning his illustrious career, which makes him a target for top clubs. Nicknamed "The Lighthouse," he was a key player in Jürgen Klopp's golden era at Liverpool, directly contributing to the Reds' triumphs in the 2019 Champions League and the 2020 Premier League title, ending a 30-year drought. This extensive experience in European football is what makes Fabinho believe he can still contribute for many more years in Europe's elite leagues, which explains his current hesitation in accepting offers from Brazilian clubs.
Potential impact of the deal
Domestically in Brazil, the interest shown by Palmeiras and Vasco da Gama demonstrates the desire of Brazilian clubs to bring back their expatriate players to raise the level of competition in CONMEBOL tournaments. Palmeiras, enjoying a golden period in recent years, seeks to bolster its squad with world-class names to maintain its continental dominance, while Vasco da Gama is attempting to recapture its former glory. As for Al-Ittihad, Fabinho's future will determine the shape of its midfield next season, especially given the fierce competition in the Roshan League and the Jeddah-based club's ambition to compete for all titles.
