Liverpool leave Fabinho behind for Germany trip as Henderson transfer hits rocks

Liverpool midfielder Fabinho has been left out of the club’s travelling squad for their 10-day pre-season camp in Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany as the Brazilian defensive midfielder edges closer to a £40million transfer to Saudi Arabian champions Al Ittihad. Meanwhile, captain Jordan Henderson has travelled with Jurgen Klopp’s side with the England international currently left in limbo as his lucrative yet surprise move to Al Ettifaq remains up in the air.

Both players had looked certainties to stay at Anfield around one week ago but strong interest from the Middle East is now threatening to wreak havoc on Liverpool’s excessive midfield overhaul which has already undergone major surgery in the summer transfer window.

While Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai have already arrived through the door, Liverpool may now require two further recruits in the centre of the park if they’re to lose their serial-winning, experienced double act who have been an integral part of the Reds’ success under Klopp.

Fabinho now looks to be on the verge of sealing his move to Jeddah where he would work under ex-Wolves and Tottenham boss Nuno Espirito Santo alongside fellow statement signings Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante and former Celtic forward Jota.

The 29-year-old close friend and compatriot Roberto Firmino has already joined Al Ahli on a free transfer this summer after opting against a contract renewal at Anfield.

Al Ittihad are already understood to have agreed personal terms with Fabinho ahead of the potential transfer.

Should the £40m move be finalised, it would actually see Liverpool make £1m profit on the Brazil international who was signed from Monaco for £39m in the summer of 2018.

While Henderson has verbally agreed a two-year contract (with the option for an additional 12 months) thought to be worth around £700,000 per week with Steven Gerrard’s side, there are doubts as to whether the Saudi club can match Liverpool’s £20m asking price.

The Reds still consider their skipper as a player of substantial value and they are now prepared to sanction his departure for a cut-price, particularly given his exit will disrupt their summer transfer plans.

Henderson has been the subject of question marks after reportedly informing Klopp of his desire to leave given his commendable work with the LGBT+ community during his time serving as Liverpool captain and as one of England’s most experienced senior players.

Liverpool are actively looking for further midfield reinforcements in the market with Southampton’s Romeo Lavia one of the names of firm admiration.

Yet there is still reluctance to meet Southampton’s £45m valuation and the Reds are cautious that they would now need to add further experience and mettle to their ranks if Fabinho and Henderson are indeed off.

Klopp is alleged to have told the 33-year-old he can leave as his game time may now be hindered moving forward following the captures of Mac Allister and Szoboszlai – yet his inclusion for the pre-season camp in Germany suggests he could yet remain at Anfield beyond the summer.

The travelling party will also include Thiago Alcantara, who like Fabinho and Henderson, has received interest from the Middle East this summer.

Liverpool have also been linked with a host of other names this summer including Khephren Thuram, Sofyan Amrabat and Ryan Gravenberch but it remains to be seen where their transfer itinerary will take them next.

Moises Caicedo is not currently viewed as an active target as there is widespread expectation he will be joining Chelsea from Brighton this summer.