Fabinho set for Al-Ittihad medical – one more step before deal is completed

Fabinho is set to undergo the first part of his medical with Al-Ittihad ahead of a £40m transfer from Liverpool.

The 29-year-old has been expected to move to the PIF-backed Saudi Arabian club for over two weeks now, though the saga appears to be reaching its conclusion.

Fabinho was left out of Liverpool's pre-season camp in Germany last week as the transfer progressed. However, reports of a stall in negotiations led many to speculate that the Brazilian would have to return to Liverpool training with the move suddenly in doubt.

Yet the holding midfielder was left out of the squad that travelled to Singapore for friendlies against Leicester City and Bayern Munich, and any fears of a deal collapse appear to have evaporated, with the midfielder now set to undertake his medical – typically the final stage of any transfer.

Fabrizio Romano reported on Friday afternoon that Fabinho "has been authorised to travel for first part of medical", while all that remains before the move is made official is Liverpool checking the documents.

Meanwhile, images have already emerged online of Liverpool's number three apparently in the Middle East for his medical.

READ MORE: Fabinho – the rise and decline of Liverpool's quiet superstar

While Fabinho's move to the Saudi Pro League is still yet to be completed, Jordan Henderson was announced as an Al-Ettifaq player on Thursday following his £12m transfer.

The Brazilian's exit will mean Liverpool have lost six first team midfielders this summer (James Milner, Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Arthur Melo, Henderson and Fabinho) but signed just two in Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai.

The Reds are widely expected to complete a deal for Romeo Lavia from Southampton. However, Chelsea remain interested and could attempt to hijack the deal if they cannot sign Moises Caicedo.