There's no doubt that Liverpool is a giant of world soccer, but even the biggest make mistakes, and the sale of Fábio Carvalho to Brentford seems to be one of those. In a transfer window where the Reds' lack of proactivity was already causing concern, losing a promising player sounds almost like a warning sign. The 21-year-old Portuguese is one of those players who could have been a key player in the club's future, but instead joins Brentford for 23.3 million euros, in a deal that also includes additional amounts for targets met. But have Liverpool realized what they're missing?
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Fábio Carvalho showed in pre-season that he was ready for Anfield. In three preparatory games, the Portuguese attacking midfielder scored two goals and made it clear that he had a lot to offer Arne Slot's side. His performances against Arsenal and Manchester United not only highlighted his technical quality, but also his maturity on the pitch, something rare for a player of his age. Even so, Liverpool opted to trade the youngster to Brentford, in a move that, at first glance, looks more like a desperate maneuver than a strategic decision.
The sale of Fábio Carvalho is a reflection of Liverpool's lack of planning. We're talking about a player who, despite his young age, had already accumulated significant experience at Fulham, where he shone in the Championship in the 2021/22 season. It's not just any boy who can stand out in such a competitive league and yet he was overlooked at a club that, theoretically, should have a clinical eye for young talent.
When Fábio Carvalho arrived at Liverpool in 2022, it was to be expected that he would struggle to break into the first team. However, even with few opportunities, the Portuguese still managed to make his mark in important games, such as the victories against Bournemouth, Newcastle and even the mighty Manchester City. Instead of being polished and integrated into the team on a more constant basis, he was loaned out to RB Leipzig and then Hull City, where he once again showed his worth, especially in the Championship.
Fábio Carvalho's move to Brentford raises a number of questions about Liverpool's strategy. Meanwhile, the Bees, who have been showing intelligent management and a keen eye for good signings, are certainly laughing their heads off. Not only have they landed a talented youngster, but also a player with Premier League experience, something that will certainly add value to their squad. And with Carvalho motivated to prove his worth in the best league in the world, the Bees may have made one of the best signings of this window.
Liverpool, on the other hand, will be wondering if they didn't make a mistake by letting Fábio Carvalho leave. With a 17.5% sell-on clause, the Reds may even profit if the player excels at his new club, but that will hardly be enough to erase the feeling that they missed out on a player who could help them in the long 2024/25 season. Instead of reinforcing the squad with strategic signings, the club seems to be groping in the dark, with no clear direction.