Liverpool confirm Fabio Carvalho free transfer from Fulham with 19-year-old Jurgen Klopp’s first summer signing
LIVERPOOL have confirmed the signing of Fabio Carvalho from Fulham on a deal until 2027.
The Reds missed out on the 19-year-old's signature in the winter transfer window after paperwork was failed to be completed before the deadline.
But the Merseyside outfit remained desperate to snap up the Portugal and England youth international after agreeing a deal to sign him in April.
Carvalho was available on a free transfer this summer after failing to sign a new contract at Craven Cottage.
Fulham are due compensation from Liverpool, with it understood that Liverpool will pay £5million plus a potential £3m in add-ons.
Announcing their first transfer of the summer, a club read: "Liverpool FC can confirm Fabio Carvalho will join the club this summer.
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"The 19-year-old forward will officially complete a switch to the Reds on July 1."
Carvalho starred for Fulham as he helped the Cottagers return to the Premier League at the first time of asking after winning the Championship title.
He chipped in with ten goals and eight assists from 36 league matches as Fulham pipped Bournemouth by two points at the top of the table.
The youngster has thanked the Fulham fans for their support after his departure was confirmed.
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He told : "I just want to say thank you for everything they’ve done for me, on and off the pitch.
“On the pitch, they’ve been singing my name and cheering me on, and off the pitch they’re always greeting me. Even my family have fans going up to them, saying hello, which makes me happy.
“There’s obviously been ups and downs this season, but I’ve had some great messages from great fans.
“I just want to say a big thank you to all the Fulham fans, as without them I wouldn’t be in the position I am today, so thank you so much.”
Fulham co-owner Tony Khan added: "Fabio is a great talent and we did everything we could trying to secure him here on a longer deal so he could play in the Premier League with Fulham.
“That didn’t prove possible, but we were able to keep him for the remainder of the Championship winning campaign and for that I know he will always be very fondly remembered by our fans.
“We achieved the best we could for the Club and I wish Fabio future success and thank him for his contribution through this fantastic season. Come on Fulham!”