Liverpool have reportedly rejected an initial £15 million offer from Southampton for attacking midfielder Fabio Carvalho.
According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Liverpool turned down the bid but might consider selling Carvalho if a higher offer is made. Carvalho, who has been on loan twice since joining Liverpool, is eager to secure a regular starting role, which Southampton’s Russell Martin could provide.
Liverpool, on the other hand, seems reluctant to approve another loan move for the Portuguese playmaker, indicating a preference for a permanent transfer. This stance is somewhat surprising given Carvalho’s strong pre-season performances, including a goal against Manchester United earlier on Sunday.
Will Southampton sign Fabio Carvalho?
Having secured promotion back to the Premier League by defeating Leeds United 1-0 in the Championship Play-Off final, Southampton finds itself in a stronger financial position. With £140 million from their promotion (F365), they can now invest more freely compared to clubs like Leeds, which have had to sell key players such as Archie Gray to Spurs and Crysencio Summerville to West Ham.
Southampton has already made 12 signings, including Adam Lallana on a free transfer from Brighton and Ben Brereton Diaz from Villarreal, totaling around £50 million (TM). Carvalho is now on their radar.
Although Southampton’s initial £15 million bid for Carvalho was rejected, they likely have the financial flexibility to make a higher offer. Given Liverpool’s willingness to let the 21-year-old leave, fans can expect at least one more bid before Carvalho’s future is settled.
