Transfers

Fabinho: Liverpool midfielder joins Saudi side Al-Ittihad

Brazil midfielder Fabinho has completed a move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad from Liverpool on a three-year deal.

The 29-year-old did not travel with the Reds to a recent training camp in Germany after the Saudi side made a £40m bid for him.

Fabinho was also left out of the club’s current trip to Singapore as the move was finalised.

Capped 29 times by his country, he joined Liverpool in July 2018 from Monaco for a fee in the region of £39m.

Fabinho said he was leaving his “home” after representing Liverpool “with the greatest honour and happiness possible” for five years.

He added: “I say this with a heart full of joy: I love this club. Thank you, Reds, for everything we’ve experienced together.”

Fabinho is Al-Ittihad’s latest high-profile signing this summer as part of a widespread influx of players into the Saudi Pro League.

Ballon d’Or winner and former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema, former Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante and ex-Celtic forward Jota have all joined the club managed by ex-Wolves and Spurs boss Nuno Espirito Santo.

Al-Ittihad said Fabinho’s signing is part of their effort to “reinforce the team with outstanding players, who will support their journey in the upcoming phase, which includes multiple domestic and international competitions”.

Fabinho made 219 appearances for Liverpool, scoring 11 goals.

During his time with the Reds, he helped the club win the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, League Cup and the Fifa Club World Cup.

“We would like to thank Fabinho for all of his contributions to the club’s successes during the last five years,” said Liverpool.

Fellow midfielder Jordan Henderson has also left the Merseyside club to move to Saudi Arabia, with the England international joining Steven Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq.

Liverpool have now lost five midfielders on a permanent basis this summer, with James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita also departing after their contracts expired.

Centre-back Virgil van Dijk has, meanwhile, replaced Henderson as Liverpool captain, with defender Trent Alexander-Arnold taking over as vice-captain from Milner.

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Transfers

Galatasaray, Napoli Agree Osimhen Transfer

Italian Serie A side Napoli have reached an agreement with Galatasaray for the transfer of Nigeria international forward Victor Osimhen for a fee in the region of €75m, according to OwnGoalNigeria.com.

Both clubs have been locked in negotiations for the past two days after the Nigerian picked the team as his preferred destination ahead of Saudi Arabia side Al-Hilal. The talks went on yesterday without a resolution.

Napoli insisted on getting a bank guarantee for the payment of the transfer fee after agreeing for it to be paid in installments. The Turkish side will pay €40m in cash with the balance of €35m to be paid in installments for the next three years.

Galatasaray agreed to provide Napoli with a bank guarantee letter and if it sits well with the Italian side after a review, Osimhen will be allowed to travel to Istanbul for his medical and subsequent unveiling on a permanent deal.

After a successful time on loan last season, he will be expected to help the club retain the league and cup they won last season, and also do well in Europe after the disappointment in the Europa League last season.

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Transfers

Transfer: Theo Hernandez Joins Al-Hilal From AC Milan

Deal worth some 25 million euros

France left-back Theo Hernandez has moved to former Lazio and Inter coach Simone Inzaghi’s Saudi club Al-Hilal from AC Milan, where the 27-year-old spent six mostly successful years.

Theo, as he is known, was a runner-up to Argentina in the 2022 World Cup.

He made no secret of the fact that he had fallen out with AC’s new management set-up.
The deal is worth around 25 million euros.

Ansa.it

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Transfers

WSL: Chelsea Forward Fishel Signs For Seattle Reign

Seattle Reign have signed Chelsea and United States forward Mia Fishel on a contract until 2029.

An undisclosed transfer fee will be paid to the Women’s Super League (WSL) champions who Fishel, 24, appeared for 21 times.

After signing from Mexican club Tigres for the start of the 2023-24 season, Fishel scored the winning goal against Tottenham on her WSL debut before an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury cut her campaign short.

The two-time WSL winner returned in March to make three appearances.

“I’m incredibly excited to sign a long-term contract in the NWSL and take this next step in my career with Seattle Reign FC,” said Fishel.

“This league is one of the best in the world, and I’m looking forward to the opportunity. I can’t wait to get started and contribute to the team’s success.”

America’s National Women’s Soccer League is currently on a midseason break but Seattle Reign return to action against Angel City on 1 August.

Bbc.com

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