Liverpool Transfers: £44 Million Signing CONFIRMED
24-year-old Brazilian Fabinho looks to replace the departing Emre Can.
Liverpool have signed 24-year-old Monaco midfielder Fabinho, beating the likes of Manchester United and Atletico Madrid to the Brazilian international's signature.
In a deal that could be worth over £40m, he will join on 1st July for around £39m (€45m) but a further £4m (€5m) could be added depending on performance-related bonus payments. Following the announcement, Fabinho said of Liverpool:-
"This is a giant of a team, I am really excited. I will try to create my own history at this football club."
A replacement for the departing Emre Can, who is expected to join Juventus when his contract expires in a month, Fabinho can play in a variety of positions but defensive midfield is where he excels.
Fabinho made 225 appearances and scored 29 goals in five seasons with Monaco, and will be joined in midfield by another new arrival in July, RB Leipzig's Naby Keita who will finally complete his move which was agreed last summer.
His signing is a statement of intent from Reds manager Jurgen Klopp ahead of his third full season at Anfield and could lead to a busy summer in the transfer market for Liverpool. There is speculation about several big money transfers taking place as they look to strengthen their side, especially in midfield where they were lacking in the Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid at the weekend.
Klopp praised new signing Fabinho, saying:-
"He has the ability and mentality to play at the highest level in a number of positions. We have signed a fantastic player, but someone who is an equally fantastic person I think."