Liverpool have confirmed the signing of Fabio Carvalho from Fulham today and that could spell the beginning of the end for forward Roberto Firmino.
Carvalho is an exciting addition to Jurgen Klopp’s ranks. He has signed from Craven Cottage for just £5 million; although that could rise to just over £7.5 million based on performances.
The Portuguese performer has been in tremendous form during 2021/22, albeit in the Championship. He’s found the net 11 times and claimed eight assists, with Fulham winning the title.
Now, he will embark on a new chapter at Anfield. He will bolster a squad that is already brimming with lots of talent and he could become a star of the future.
Given that he’s made 44 appearances for Fulham and sampled men’s football, Klopp might choose to utilise him in the first team from the get-go next season.
Carvalho boasts an abundance of skill, he’s flamboyant in possession and he’s also capable of weighing in with goals and assists if given a run in the team.
There will be a small settling in period. He has only played four games in the Premier League after all but Klopp won’t have signed him to play a peripheral part.
Liverpool confirm Carvalho and Firmino could be the fall guy
As one player with plenty of potential signs for Liverpool, another could be starting to see the exit on the horizon. In this case, the unfortunate party could be Firmino.
The Brazilian has been a magnificent signing for Liverpool. He signed as a relative unknown in 2016 from Hoffenheim; costing the club £29 million.
He has helped Liverpool claim one Premier League title and if the Reds beat Real Madrid on Saturday, he will claim the Champions League for a second time.
Firmino is 30 now though. His 2021/22 campaign hasn’t been great and injuries have restricted him to 11 goals and five assists from 34 appearances in all competitions.
Quite frankly, the £180,000-a-week Firmino is no longer considered as part of the furniture by Klopp. In recent weeks he’s been a backup option at best and perhaps he’s slipping further down the pecking order.
If this is the beginning of the end for Firmino he’s been a quality player for the Reds. He has scored 98 goals and claimed 74 assists from over 300 appearances. He’s also always worked tirelessly for the cause.
Some changes will be made in the summer, with Carvalho likely to be the first of many new arrivals at Anfield.
As a result, some could leave and although Firmino might be safe for now, this could spell the beginning of the end for the 55-cap star.