22 July 2023 , 11:05
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Bayern Munich are hopeful of rivalling Al-Ittihad to sign Liverpool midfielder Fabinho… and are hopeful of funding the move by selling Sadio Mane.
Mane is set to leave the German champions this summer and while he recently refused to rule out a shock return to the Premier League, talks have taken place with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr over a move in the coming weeks.
Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel is keen to reshape his squad this summer and despite missing out on West Ham captain Declan Rice, who joined Arsenal in a £105million deal, he is intent on signing a new holding midfielder with a belief that Fabinho fits the bill.
The 29-year-old. has enjoyed a five-year spell at Anfield, where he has made 219 senior appearances. Playing at the base of a three-man midfield, Fabinho played a key role as Jurgen Klopp’s side won the Champions League in 2019 and secured their first league title in three decades the following season.
Those were two of the seven trophies that the Brazil international won during his time on Merseyside. He has been linked with a move to the Saudi top-flight, where he may be joined by Jordan Henderson, who has been offered a ridiculous £700,000 per week wage to join the Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittifaq.
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The moves are part of a new strategy from Saudi Arabian chiefs to bring big-name players to the country. The Middle East nation’s football scene has made waves ever since Cristiano Ronaldo was signed by Al-Nassr in January after the Portuguese superstar left Manchester United.
Fabinho has been involved in Liverpool's pre-season training but looks set to move on (Getty Images) Have Your Say! How should Liverpool look to replace Fabinho ? Tell us what you think here.
Al-Ittihad, based in Jeddah, have arguably recruited the most notably in this summer transfer window. They have added Fabinho to the current Ballon d’Or holder Karim Benzema – who joined from Real Madrid – alongside former Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante and Portuguese winger Jota, who joined from Celtic.
A report from Sky Sport Germany has outlined Bayern’s interest in rivalling the Saudi champions for Fabinho. The Bavarian club’s relationship with agent Jorge Mendes is highlighted as being key and should a move to the Middle East stall, they are ready to pounce.
Al-Nassr are in talks to sign Sadio Mane (Getty Images)The Brazilian’s market value would be in excess of £30million, which Bayern would plan to largely fund by the exit of Mane – who earns a notable wage packet and commands a significant transfer fee, despite a difficult year in Munich.
Mane hit 120 goals for Liverpool in 269 appearances and collected six major honours during his time in Jurgen Klopp’s side, who struggled somewhat to replace the forward. However, he was unable to replicate that form in the Bundesliga – bagging just seven league goals last season.