The reason why Fabinho's Saudi transfer has stalled

After several days of seeming imminent, Fabinho's transfer to Saudi Arabia is now in real doubt.

With reports that the Brazilian had already completed a medical ahead of his £40m move to Pro League side Al-Ittihad, and that the only thing holding up proceedings was a release of funds, the deal seemed like a matter of when not if.

However, on Tuesday — after some wild stories concerning dog ownership laws in Saudi Arabia — The Athletic's David Ornstein dropped a surprising update on the saga, revealing the transfer to be in 'jeopardy'.

While all parties are still keen to complete the deal if possible, Fabinho will return to Liverpool pre-season training this week, having been left out of the club's camp in Germany.

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

Ornstein cryptically said there had "been a delay to the process" of the transfer, without expanding on the exact reasons for the deadlock in negotiations.

However, 90min have now claimed that the real reason for the stall is payment structure, with Liverpool and Al-Ittihad not signing off on when certain amounts of the £40m transfer fee will be paid.

90min also back up Ornstein's original report in saying that both clubs are still committed to finding a solution and pushing the deal through. However, the fact the Fabinho is to return to Liverpool training suggests an official announcement is still some way off.

Meanwhile, Liverpool already appear to be working on signing Fabinho's successor and have seen a £37m bid for Romeo Lavia rejected by Southampton.

It is expected that the Reds will return with an improved offer as newly relegated Southampton seek closer to their £50m valuation of the Belgium international.

Whether the Lavia pursuit will be impacted by the delay to the Fabinho deal is not yet clear.