Fabinho looks to follow Firmino lead at Anfield

Liverpool’s new signing Fabinho hopes to follow the example of his compatriot Roberto Firmino in not only adapting quickly to life in England but taking his game to the next level.

The midfielder, who will officially join from Monaco on July 1 in a deal worth up to £43.7 million, spoke extensively with his Brazil team-mate about Anfield and life at the club before his move.

Fabinho admits Firmino’s raised levels of performance have not gone unnoticed and he wants to follow the same path.

“I’ve been following Liverpool for a few years, in particular since Firmino arrived,” he told LFCTV.

“After he arrived here he was able to achieve higher development at this football club. Because he had success, I hope the same happens to me.

“We spoke a bit more about the infrastructure of the club, the city and we also spoke about the coaches and how they do their work so I was able to know a bit more about Liverpool through Firmino.”

Fabinho could well be joined by another Brazil team-mate if, as expected manager Jurgen Klopp looks to upgrade his goalkeeper this summer.

The position has been the subject of debate since before Klopp arrived in October 2015, but Loris Karius’ mistakes in the Champions League final have intensified the scrutiny.

Klopp has an interest in Roma’s Alisson, although he could face paying a premium for a player valued at £60m.

The Italian club were burned by last summer’s forced £38m sale of Mohamed Salah to the Reds in order to comply with financial fair play regulations.

Liverpool moved quickly to get the Fabinho deal done virtually under the radar but they have no such hope if they pursue Alisson.

Fabinho: Will join Liverpool on July 1.