Liverpool FC started off the new week announcing the signing of the Portuguese star Fabio Carvalho. The Reds paid approximately €8million to sign the 19-year-old winger from Fulham with him set to join the squad on July 1st.
“We can confirm Fabio Carvalho will join the club this summer,” Liverpool’s official Twitter page posted. “The 19-year-old forward will officially complete a switch to the Reds on July 1.”
Carvalho is one of the most promising young players in the world of football and he was able to showcase his skills wearing Fulham’s jersey this season. He was widely considered one of the best players on the team alongside Aleksandar Mitrovic.
In 38 matches for the Cottagers in 2021-2022, Carvalho scored 11 goals, provided eight assists and was nominated for the EFL Young Player of the Season trophy.
The Portuguese midfielder began his career in the region of Lisbon in Portugal, where he was born, and moved to Fulham in 2014. After debuting for Fulham’s U18 team as a 15 year old, Carvalho had his first professional match against Sheffield in September 2020 in the Carabao Cup. There he proved he was more than ready to contribute to the first team squad.
Carvalho played an important role on the team and was one of the keys to the Cottagers successful campaign in the EFL Championship. With his speed and skill, the 19 year old was a true nightmare for Fulham’s opponents and he attracted the attention of many of the top European clubs, especially Liverpool.
Since January, rumours linking Carvalho and the club from Liverpool were mentioned in the British press and the final chapter of its story came to an end this week.
After almost eight years at the club from West London, the teenage phenom expressed his feelings following the announcement and used Fulham’s website to talk about this moment in his career.
“I just want to say thank you for everything they’ve done for me, on and off the pitch,” he said. “On the pitch, they’ve been singing my name and cheering me on, and off the pitch they’re always greeting me. Even my family have fans going up to them, saying hello, which makes me happy.”
Tony Khan, Fulham’s Vice Chairman and Director of Football Operations, said Carvalho is a great talent and explained the club did everything possible to keep the youngster at their squad for next season. However, Carvalho decided to opt for a new challenge in his career and joined the Reds.
“We achieved the best we could for the Club and I wish Fabio future success and thank him for his contribution through this fantastic season,” Khan said. “Come on Fulham!”
Carvalho’s announcement arrives one day after Liverpool failed to bring the Premier League title to Anfield Road, as Manchester City won their match against Aston Villa.
Liverpool will face Real Madrid this Saturday in the UEFA Champions League final at the Stade de France, in Paris.
-Matheus Teles