Reported Liverpool transfer target Henrique Araujo has reacted with surprise to Fabio Carvalho’s decision to quit Portugal U21s.
The news broke yesterday that Carvalho has decided to no longer represent the country of his birth at youth level. And speaking to Mais Futebol, Araujo, who has been rumoured to be on Liverpool’s radar, gave his take.
“It was a little surprising for us. In this kind of thing, what is important is the player in question feeling good. And if Fabio felt that the best thing for him would be not to be here, or not to continue with us in the under-21 team, I think it’s a very personal decision,” said the 20-year-old Benfica forward.
“We have to accept, respect and, whoever comes, seize the opportunity. Because when one player comes out, another player comes in and it’s an opportunity for another player.”
It will be fascinating to see what Carvalho’s next move is. Perhaps this had been something he had been thinking about for a while, but it seems even his own teammates were feeling a little blindsided.
Carvalho decision to benefit Liverpool
Whatever the reasons behind Carvalho’s slightly controversial decision, it’s good news for Liverpool right now.
The youngster has faded a little after a good start at Anfield, and the break should do him good.
After that, he should be feeling fresh and ready to go as Liverpool head to Dubai for a training camp. With full focus on club matters, Carvalho will hopefully start to improve over the second half of the season.
If he does, it may not be long before he has to make a decision over picking his senior international team.
After such a public rejection of Portugal, it may now be that his bridges are somewhat burned there. That would leave Carvalho with no option but to go with the country he moved to as a 13-year-old.
Close friend Harvey Elliott is already knocking on the door of the England senior set-up. Perhaps the two are hoping to play together for the Three Lions.
That would top off a dream journey for the two youngsters, who went to school together. Let’s wait and see.
As for Araujo, he could be one to watch. The youngster has made eight appearances for a rampant Benfica so far this season, scoring twice.
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