Fabio Carvalho’s stalled career since joining Liverpool is not picking up as they had planned while on loan to RB Leipzig, and the most recent report following a rare start will be unsettling for Jurgen Klopp and company.
In the summer transfer window of 2022, Liverpool finally acquired Carvalho after making a second offer. The Reds first made an attempt to recruit the former Fulham attacker in the January transfer window, but were unable to complete the transaction in time.
Nevertheless, six months later, Liverpool finalized a £7.7 million transfer after having most the deal’s structure in place and Fulham content to adhere to the previously negotiated conditions.
Carvalho, though, had a negligible effect in his debut year at Anfield. With the exception of his last-second victory over Newcastle, not much stood out.
Despite the club’s troubles with injuries last season, Carvalho was unable to secure a consistent spot in Klopp’s starting eleven. Even switching to midfield didn’t help the 21-year-old.
As a result, it was expected that an exit would be made when Bundesliga powerhouse RB Leipzig agreed to a season-long loan.
Leipzig initially offered £10 million to buy Carvalho outright but ultimately had to settle for a simple loan.
On the other hand, if Carvalho’s early performances in Leipzig are any indication, the change of scenery has not had the anticipated impact.
With victories in seven of their first eight games in all competitions, Leipzig has started strong. Carvalho, though, has only made two starts and didn’t impress on his most recent opportunity on Wednesday night against lower league competition in the German Cup.
Kicker, a German source, surveyed Carvalho’s lackluster performance from a forward position on the left side of midfield. Leipzig defeated Wehen Wiesbaden of the second division with a score of 3-2, despite Carvalho’s little contribution.
Lack of devotion, rhythm, and aggressiveness in Carvalho
In his piece, Kicker said:
“Liverpool loanee Fabio Carvalho still visibly lacked rhythm, commitment and assertiveness in the attacking midfield.
“The 21-year-old Portuguese is nowhere near as advanced as Paris loanee Xavi [Simons], who immediately established himself as a fixture.”
Carvalho and Simons have had very different luck throughout their separate loan periods thus far.
Carvalho has yet to score or provide an assist, so it’s evident that convincing boss Marco Rose that he deserves regular starts would be difficult.
Simons, on the other hand, has tallied three goals and four assists, contributing to a goal almost every 83 minutes.
Liverpool will be hoping that Carvalho can buck the trend and establish himself in Germany. Failure to do so will result in the loan period ending without providing Liverpool or the player with any real advantages.