Rising star faces make-or-break moment in Liverpool pre-season

Liverpool forward Fabio Carvalho faces a make-or-break pre-season as a loan move is definitely not on the card this summer

Fabio Carvalho needs to prove his worth to the Liverpool squad or leave for a “considerable fee” late this summer. However, the 21-year-old has proven himself enough for the new Liverpool head coach to take an extra interest in him.

Slot has constantly provided instructions to the young Portuguese while playing him dominantly at the left side of the wings. Carvalho scored a cracking goal against Arsenal in the last pre-season friendly victory combining elegantly with Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott.

The 21-year-old spent the first half of the last season in a failed loan spell at RB Leipzig where he struggled. Liverpool cut the deal short due to Leipzig’s failure to fulfil the promise of providing him sufficient chances to play.

The Reds moved Carvalho to Hull City where his current teammate Tyler Morton established himself as the regular first-team player. The 21-year-old immediately started contributing to the Championship side, finishing the second half of the season strongly with consistent performances.

The Telegraph journalist Chris Bascombe provided an update on Carvalho’s future amid his successful performances in the pre-season tour so far. He said:

“Carvalho spent last season on loan to RB Leipzig and then Hull City. Liverpool are not entertaining loan bids anymore, but Carvalho will know his first team opportunities will be limited once Slot has a full contingent. If he goes, it will be for a considerable fee and most likely later in the transfer window.”

Considering the level of interest and energy Slot has invested in Carvalho, the Portuguese forward is more inclined towards staying. However, the 21-year-old needs to understand that he will act more as a squad player in a strong attacking department.

Liverpool have Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz who naturally play as the left wingers, above Carvalho in the pecking order. The 21-year-old prefers to play as a number 10 but that position has even more competition than the left-wing position.

More Liverpool News

• Liverpool’s bold transfer strategy sparks heated debate among fans
• Disrespected La Liga side threaten to derail Liverpool pre-season
• Journo quashes ‘nonsense’ rumours of Liverpool star’s impending exit

The Reds have Harvey Elliott, Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch as the competition for the number 10 role. Nevertheless, Carvalho is young and possesses a very high ceiling while Liverpool usually plays a lot of games each season. The Portuguese forward would get an ample amount of opportunities if the Reds maintain their tradition of taking every trophy seriously.