Liverpool ‘confident’ of completing Fabio Carvalho deal in summer after failed January attempt

Liverpool’s pursuit of teenage sensation Fabio Carvalho was one of the most persistent stories throughout the January transfer window and the subject of some last minute deadline day drama.

The Red’s made an 11th hour attempt to bring the England under-18 international to Anfield last month but were unable to get a deal over the line before the window shut.

However, the latest reports are that the Premier League title contenders remain “confident” that they can secure the player in the summer when his contract at Craven Cottage expires.

Here is the latest news on Fabio Carvalho’s move to Liverpool and what is being reported:

Liverpool ‘confident’ of signing Carvalho in summer

After missing out on the player in January, Liverpool will now attempt to bring Fulham’s Fabio Carvalho in at the end of the season.

Although the player will be out of contract he is NOT available on a free transfer as the Championship side are due compensation for developing the player.

Although Liverpool could sign the 19-year old without agreeing a fee with Fulham, the decision on how much they had to pay the London club would go to a tribunal where they may have to pay more than they hope.

Also working against Jurgen Klopp’s side is the fact that Carvalho could sign for a club outside of England as they would not be required to pay any compensation, although this may encourage Fulham to be more amicable in their negations or risk getting nothing for the starlet.

Sky Sports have now reported that the Reds are “confident of completing a pre-contract agreement to sign Fabio Carvalho” and they will “attempt to agree compensation with the Championship side.”

Despite his young age, Carvalho has been a key part of the Fulham side this season with the Craven Cottage side top of the EFL Championship.

The 19-year old has made 16 appearances in the league and scored seven goals and won the EFL Young Player of the Month award in August 2021.

On the international stage, Carvalho has represented England t Under-16, Under-17 and Under-18 level but was born in Lisbon so is also eligible to switch allegiances to Portugal in the future.

Liverpool remain favourites to sign Raphinha from Leeds United

Another player who was heavily linked with a move to Liverpool in January was Leeds United winger Raphinha, but no official bid ever emerged for the Brazilian.

Instead, Jurgen Kloop moved to land Porto’s Luis Diaz to strengthen his attacking options but that may not necessarily have put an end to their interest in Raphinha.

Leeds were always unlike to let the player leave in January given their current battle against relegation at the bottom of the Premier League table but could be more amicable to offers in the summer.

Although the like of Bayern Munich have also been linked with the 25-year old it is Liverpool who the bookmakers still see as favourites.

SkyBet, who are already offering transfer specials for a player to sign for a specific club before September 3, have Liverpool as Raphinha’s most likely destination but the Anfield side are still long odds at 7/1.

Bayern Munich are second favourites in the market at 9/1 while Manchester United, Manchester City, Real Madrid and West Ham are all 12/1.