Liverpool star Fabinho’s £40m Saudi transfer could collapse because of his dogs

Fabinho’s move from Liverpool to Saudi Arabia is reportedly being delayed due to the breeds of his dogs. The Brazil international is desperate to become the next Premier League-proven star to make the lucrative move to the Middle East, but he is seeking clarity on the logistics of whether he can take his four-legged family there before penning the contract.

Liverpool are in the middle of a major midfield rebuild being orchestrated by manager Jurgen Klopp. The ex-Borussia Dortmund boss allowed Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner to depart as free agents to create space for new signings – with Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai arriving.

However, Saudi interest in Jordan Henderson and Fabinho has prompted the Reds to reassess their options and look at further signings in that department – though the latter may not depart after all. Reports from Saudi Arabia have suggested that the ex-Monaco star is seeking ‘further clarity’ on whether his two dogs are allowed to join him in the country ahead of his £40million move to Al-Itiihad.

Fabinho has two French bulldogs, though it is unclear as to whether they will be permitted to make the move as well at this stage. ‘Dangerous and aggressive dogs’ are banned from Saudi Arabia, with Rottweilers and Pit Bulls not permitted – though there are fears that ‘Frenchies’ are grouped with the latter.

In a document leaked on Twitter labelled ‘Bringing pets to Saudi Arabia’, it states that dogs are only allowed to enter if they are going to be used for hunting, serve as a guard dog or if they are ‘seeing-eye dogs’ (for the blind).

Given the photos of Fabinho’s two furry friends being cradled in his arms dressed in Christmas jumpers being shared online, the midfielder will be hoping that he does not need to convince Saudi officials that his dogs are to fend off intruders in his new home or hunt down their next meal. Until the 29-year-old is given a definite answer on if he is able to move his entire family to Saudi, he will reportedly continue to stall signing his contract with Al-Ittihad.