Liverpool make another Fab signing
LIVERPOOL have signed Fabinho on a “long-term” contract, the Premier League club announced yesterday.
The Brazilian midfielder joins from AS Monaco for a reported £43.7m and will formally complete his move to Anfield on 1 July after completing his medical at Melwood.
The player told the club’s official website: “I am really excited about this move.
“This is something that I always wanted - this is a giant of a team. The infrastructures of the club look exceptional.
“A football club of this size coming after my services, I didn’t have to think that much about coming over.
“I will try to create my own history at this football club. Hopefully, on a personal level, I’m able to win titles with this club.
“I will try to grow and learn and improve myself, and to be part of the club’s history.”
Fabinho, who has four caps for his country, becomes the club’s first signing of the summer transfer window.
The 24-year-old started his professional career at Paulinia FC in Sao Paulo before joining Fluminense. He went on to sign for Portuguese side Rio Ave in 2012 and was later loaned out to Real Madrid.
It was at AS Monaco, though, where the player rose to prominence. Fabinho made 225 appearances during five seasons at the club, scoring a total of 29 goals.
His arrival now casts further doubt on Emre Can’s future at Anfield, with a move to Juventus increasingly likely for the German midfielder.
Unsurprisingly Liverpool transfer talk dominates the back pages as Jurgen Klopp prepares to rebuild his squad following their painful 3-1 Champions League final defeat by Real Madrid.
A new goalkeeper is at the top of his wish list, with numerous outlets reporting that Roma keeper Alisson is the most likely to move to Anfield this summer, as Simon Mignolet pushes for a move away. Jan Oblak and Gianluigi Donnarumma are also targets.
The Reds have also been keeping an eye on Roma No. 1 Alisson for much of the season, although the asking price could become a stumbling block. Oblak could be a better investment, one paper says, after impressing for Atletico Madrid.
But the summer splurge won’t end there. The Reds are also keen to recruit Lyon forward Nabil Fekir as they look to bolster their attacking options.
Finally, the Star somewhat unexpectedly claim that Klopp is also tempted by a cut price deal for relegated Swansea star Jordan Ayew.
“Liverpool has shown interest in him,” his agent revealed this weekend. “But Scottish side Celtic and their coach seem to be serious with their interest,” he added.
Joe Gomez is set to land a new deal with Liverpool and earn a bumper pay rise, according to the Sun. The paper says Jurgen Klopp wants the defender in his plans next season, with the 21-year-old looking at wages of £50,000 (RM264,000) a week. – The Independent