Fabinho transfer delay ‘explained’ as dog issue resolved ahead of Liverpool exit – Liverpool Echo

Fabinho is on the verge of leaving Liverpool for Saudi Arabia – and new reports from Brazil may have explained why there is a delay in the deal.

The Reds received a £40 million offer from Saudi Pro League champions Al-Ittihad earlier this month.

But no progress seems to have been made in recent days, and some reports suggest the move could be jeopardized due to legislation regarding the importation of certain breeds of animals into the Gulf state.

Fabinho and his family have two French bulldogs and he reportedly sought “clarification” about the situation regarding his beloved pets.

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However, Brazilian media outlet Globo Esporte claims to have contacted Fabinho’s camp to clear up the rumours.

Their article states: “In contact with people close to Fabinho, [we] discovered that the journey of his two dogs to Saudi Arabia is no problem. And it was never an obstacle in the transfer. The Brazilian [has agreed terms] with Al-Ittihad, but the operation has not yet been completed due to bureaucratic details.”

Globo Esporte’s story adds: “Representatives of the Saudi club were in London on Sunday. The government of the Asian nation, which owns the money for the investment, has released the money.”

Rather than a dog problem, the final hurdle may instead be a technical hurdle with “bank proof” required before money can be transferred, the report said.

The article also says: “A document from the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture is clear about the breeds that are banned in Saudi Arabia. The French bulldog does not appear in the list.”

Liverpool have so far this summer recruited Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister for a combined fee of £95 million as part of an engine room rebuild.

However, more work will need to be done on midfield transfers given the likely departure of Fabinho and captain Jordan Henderson, who is on the verge of joining Saudi side Al-Ettifaq after undergoing initial medical tests.

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