Fulham winger Fabio Carvalho has finally come clean on rumours suggesting he is closing on a move to Liverpool – and admits he has allowed the speculation to go to his head.
The Reds were close to landing the talented teenager in the January window, only for time to run out in the window. He was put through a medical and even agreed personal terms, only for the paperwork to fail to go through in time. However, Liverpool made a promise to the 19-year-old, having since maintained their interest.
Since then, speculation has suggested a move to Anfield was not as cut and dried as it seems. As a result, Manchester United are also reportedly on his trail with the Red Devils seemingly sensing a transfer opening.
The Cottagers, to their delight, have this week secured their promotion back to the Premier League.
And transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has since moved to clear up speculation on Carvalho. The journalist claims the paperwork and contracts will soon be finalised, with the delay owing to Liverpool looking to not derail Fulham’s promotion push.
Liverpool will pay an initial £5m for his signature with a further £2.7m in potential add-ons. And if he proves as successful as Liverpool’s last signing from Fulham, Harvey Elliott, the Reds will have snared themselves yet another bargain.
He will reportedly sign a deal to 2027, with Fulham shrewdly placing a 20% sell-on clause of any future sale.
Carvalho clearly has a big future in the game, scoring 10 goals and assisting with seven more from 33 appearances this season.
However, he admits that transfer interest from Liverpool has affected his game.
Fabio Carvalho in honest admission
Confessing to the negative aspect of Jurgen Klopp’s admiration, Carvalho came clean to Fulham’s matchday programme.
“I’ve tried not to let it affect me but I’m only human,” he admits. “I’m obviously aware of those stories, even if it’s only subconsciously. I think it has affected me a bit.
“But what I can say is…