Liverpool reject £15m bid from Southampton for Fabio Carvalho
Liverpool star Fabio Carvalho once again caught the eye in pre-season as the Reds dispatched Manchester United 3-0 in the United States of America. The Portuguese star opened the scoring on the night, flat-footing Casemiro before slotting the ball past Andre Onana.
This is Carvalho’s second goal in two games, following the one he scored against Arsenal earlier this week. The 21-year-old is raring to go and make an impression under Arne Slot as Liverpool build upon the foundations laid by Jurgen Klopp.
Carvalho’s performances have not gone unnoticed and Premier League side Southampton have now made a punt for his services. According to David Ornstein of the Athletic [Subscription Required], the Saints have made a bid for the player’s services in a deal worth around £15m.
However, the Anfield hierarchy were quick to roadblock the approach and have rejected it outright. While it remains unclear if Liverpool are ready to sell the player, it will take a considerably higher offer for them to even consider a parting of the ways.
Arne Slot was very adamant that he wanted to take a first-hand look at the players at his disposal before dipping into the summer window. Carvalho certainly stands out as one of the club’s best performers and appears to have convinced Slot that there is a role for him on the roster in the 2024/25 campaign.
A mobile player who is reminiscent of Phillipe Coutinho, Carvalho has the skill set to become a mainstay at Liverpool. His loan spell last season at RB Leipzig was a damp squib but he rekindled his reputation with a scintillating six-month stay at Hull City. Southampton, who were then in the Championship will have taken note of the player’s abilities. The strong pre-season he is currently having will only have convinced them more to make an offer.
As things stand, Liverpool have no desire to sanction another temporary departure, taking a loan deal off the table altogether. Carvalho is unlikely to be a regular starter at Anfield but if he keeps up his performances of late, he can certainly secure decent game time while also getting the nod over some seasoned performers.
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At 21, Carvalho has the world at his feet and it would be inimical for Liverpool to sell him. Having a player of his talents on the bench could give Slot more options in attack, especially if the Reds fail to add to their current roster. The Portuguese sensation has immense potential and to give it up so that he can flourish elsewhere is something Liverpool should avoid at all costs.
