Staying power on the line: Fabinho’s new role could lock in his future with Al-Ittihad

Contract status and a new role

Brazilian Fabinho, Al-Ittihad's midfielder, is close to staying for an extra spell, thanks to a new role his Portuguese coach Sergio Conceicao has given him recently.

Fabinho's contract with Al-Ittihad ends at the season's end, which would let him sign with any club during the winter window and move on a free transfer next summer.

According to the Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiya, the club is studying renewing Fabinho's contract before his January release, signaling tentative talks.

Defensive duties and future talks

Yet the Liverpool veteran won't be renewed to rely on him in midfield, but to move him to central defense beside Portuguese defender Danilo Pereira.

Al-Ittihad faces a shortage in central defense, especially with Saad Al-Mousa's injury, which has forced Conceicao to deploy Fabinho there in matches against Man City and Gulf United in Dubai.

If things go well, club chiefs will begin negotiations with Fabinho to extend his contract for a further period, hopefully in the coming weeks.

The Brazilian midfielder joined Al-Ittihad in summer 2023 from Liverpool, helping them to league and cup glory last season, and he has appeared 80 times, scoring 12 goals, ahead this season, perhaps.

Sniper joke: If Fabinho keeps defending like that, I’ll defend my jokes too.

Sniper joke: If the transfer window opens for me, I’m heading to the couch.