Liverpool have lost a key member of their starting lineup after selling midfield stalwart Fabinho, but the move may prove to be a masterstroke in more ways than one.
The Reds have recouped their whole investment in the Brazilian international following his £40 million transfer to Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad. Many Kop fans were relieved to see him go for such a low price after fears about his deterioration, but it may not be the only reason Jurgen Klopp’s side were wise to move on.
Liverpool flop Jermaine Pennant has chimed in, claiming to have heard whispers from Anfield that Fabinho was a ‘bad egg’ in the locker room. This is in sharp contrast to the widely publicized figure whose powerful midfield performances helped steer the club to Champions League and Premier League titles.
Former winger Pennant’s musings should be taken with a grain of salt because they are based on nothing more than rumor, albeit the ex-England under-21 player claims to have contacts in high places.
“Fabinho’s performances over the last two years suggest that either his legs have gone or he doesn’t really want to be there anymore,” wrote the 40-year-old for LordPing.co.uk. “I’ve heard rumours that he’s a troublemaker in the changing room from people close to the club.”
“I’ve heard he’s a jerk.” I don’t know the details, but I’ve heard he’s a professional annoyance to management. He’s not giving his all in his performances and in training. It’s plain to see. And his performances indicate that he is nearing the top of his game.”
Pennant, who made 81 appearances for Liverpool over three trophyless seasons before being loaned out to Portsmouth, went on to characterize Fabinho’s £40 million fee as ‘ideal’, considering that he appears to have lost a step of late, an assessment with which many supporters may agree.
It’s worth recalling that, despite recent criticism, Fabinho was an ever-present under Klopp last season, starting 40 of his 49 appearances in all competitions. The 29-year-old has played in all but two Premier League games for Liverpool, but he is part of a midfielder exodus that includes Jordan Henderson, James Milner, Naby Keita, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Fabinho will be remembered warmly for his contributions throughout his five years at Anfield, despite any (supposed) flaws. Under Klopp, the former Monaco and Real Madrid prospect inspired a new era of success for the club, rising to become one of Europe’s top enforcers at his height.
Klopp, for one, is already looking for a Fabinho replacement, with summer signings Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai signed with different priorities in mind. The Reds’ latest £41 million bid for Southampton’s Romeo Lavia has been rejected, with a number of other options being investigated.
After a flurry of early departures, Liverpool’s summer is heating up as the next edition of Klopp’s XI takes shape. Fabinho’s departure may go down as one of the best pieces of business in the Premier League this season, despite his once-princely status at Anfield.
