Earlier this month, both Liverpool FC Chairman Tom Werner and Manager Jurgen Klopp promised an exciting and eventful coming summer transfer window. Early on, it seems like the duo will deliver on this promise, as Monaco midfielder Fabinho, Liverpool’s first addition of the summer (Naby Keita deal was struck and announced in the previous transfer window), was unveiled just now.
Fabinho had been not linked at all with Liverpool in transfer gossip, but he had been targeted by Manchester United, so this move is beneficial for LFC on many fronts.
Welcome to #LFC, Fabinho. ?https://t.co/Xd7ylCfnqJ pic.twitter.com/nYbV243DY5
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) May 28, 2018
In profile with our first signing of the summer…Fabinho's journey to #LFC ? https://t.co/NY4fKhlV8T pic.twitter.com/d2IcDsiByO
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) May 28, 2018
Liverpool picks up a stellar defensive midfielder, filling one of their needs as Emre Can looks set to leave for Juventus on a free transfer, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has struggled with missed time due to injury. Plus, they essentially put one past both their arch-rivals (Fabinho literally said last year that he was “tempted” by the idea of moving to United) and the media who try to predict their moves.
The club website describes the Brazilian international as:
“A tall, athletic figure in the centre of the pitch, the 24-year-old’s agility and decision-making allows him to steal possession from the opposition and launch counter-attacks for his team. He is comfortable when breaking forward with the ball himself, too, and contributed 26 goals during the past three seasons with Ligue 1 side Monaco.”
It was just two hours ago that Liverpool announced the Fabinho signing, and you can view the photos of his visit to the Melwood training ground at this link.
As the midfielder didn’t make the Brazil national team, he’ll immediately be able to begin the process of adjusting to and integrating with his new club. According to multiple reports, the transfer fee on this deal could be worth up to €50 million (£44m), The guaranteed fee is reportedly €45m, with a maximum of €5m in add-ons. With Fabinho locked up, the next addition could also come via Ligue 1 as reports have indicated Liverpool in heavy pursuit of Lyon’s Nabil Fekir.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, currently contributes regularly to WGN CLTV and the Tribune company’s blogging community Chicago Now.
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