I can’t be the only one frothing at the thought of seeing Fabio Carvalho in action for the Reds next season. Stats, highlight reels and clips only paint a part of the picture.
Jurgen Klopp and his coaching staff must be more excited than anyone. For all the talk of signing a midfielder like Aurelien Tchouameni, far too many supporters and rival fans are dismissing the impact Fulham’s 19-year-old can have next season.
Carvalho passes the eye test with flying colours while backing his game up with the most important metrics. On the surface, 11 goals and 8 assists is a fantastic return and his arrival will most certainly boost Liverpool’s ability to score from midfield.
Jurgen Klopp expects Fabio Carvalho to star “very soon”
According to Fabrizio Romano, the Portuguese star is set for an important role at Anfield in the 2022/23 campaign.
Klopp is convinced Carvalho can play an important role “very soon” and we may see him fast-tracked into the starting XI. That would go against the German’s typical approach to integrating new signings.
Liverpool won't loan Fabio Carvalho out next season. He's gonna be part of the first team as Jurgen Klopp is convinced he could become an important player very soon. 🔴⭐️ #LFC
Fulham wanted him to stay on loan but it's never been an option, and Klopp is waiting for Carvalho. pic.twitter.com/rHgdCHaFlN
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 24, 2022
We’ve seen this most recently with Ibrahima Konate. The Frenchman arrived at Liverpool last summer and was expected to make an immediate impact on the starting XI but Joel Matip’s improved fitness and incredible form gave Klopp more time to work with Konate before throwing him into the deep end.
The early stages of the season saw the former RB Leipzig star watching from the bench for the most part while Matip formed a dominant partnership with Virgil van Dijk at the heart of the Reds’ defence.
Yet, Konate has made his mark in remarkable fashion, playing himself into the starting XI with strong showings in the Champions League group stages and the latter stages of the knockouts.
The 22-year-old was in a free-scoring mood against Benfica and Manchester City. In the space of three games across 11 days, he scored three goals to take Liverpool to the Champions League semi-final and the FA Cup final.
The Reds since won the latter and are into the final of the Champions League final in Paris which Liverpool are currently working hard to prepare for. Real Madrid are set to face the Merseysiders in a clash of European titans.
Carvalho could quite easily follow in Konate’s footsteps but he could also be fast-tracked into the first team the same way Luis Diaz has been this season. His impact on the Reds’ attack has been quite amazing.
Diaz was very quiet on the final day of the Premier League season but perhaps he was saving his best for the Champions League final.
If Carvalho can have half the impact on Liverpool that Dias has had, it won’t be long before the 19-year-old is widely regarded as a bargain signing. Fulham agreed to receive just £5million upfront and £3million in add-ons.
We can confirm Fabio Carvalho will join the club this summer.
The 19-year-old forward will officially complete a switch to the Reds on July 1 🙌
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) May 23, 2022
For those that have watched Carvalho closely in 2022 since it became clear he would join the Reds, it’s plain to see why Klopp wants him so badly. I’m considering writing an in-depth scout analysis on him (so keep your eyes peeled) but he will be able to play a very wide range of roles.
It wouldn’t surprise me if he is to be Klopp’s Roberto Firmino heir. The Brazilian’s contract is set to expire at the end of next season with no sign of an extension on the way.
It’s going to be very sad to see him leave after what will have been an 8-year career at Anfield.
That said, if he can help pass on his experience and understanding of the game to Fabio Carvalho, it will help soften the blow.