EPL Index
·22 August 2024
EPL Index
·22 August 2024
In a significant summer move, Fabio Carvalho transitioned to Brentford from Liverpool in a deal that could rise to £27.5 million. Carvalho’s departure came as he sought more playing time, a desire that became apparent during his early days at Liverpool. His initial match for Brentford saw him come off the bench during the Premier League opener, where he participated for a brief six minutes. Nevertheless, he received a warm welcome from the Brentford fans following their victory over Crystal Palace.
Photo: IMAGO
Carvalho’s transfer was influenced by a realisation during the preseason that his opportunities would be limited. Despite a promising performance, the return of senior players signalled fewer chances to play. In his discussion with Sky Sports, Carvalho shared, “I did. I thought I did alright [in pre-season], to be fair. But as a footballer, you get that feeling where you know certain players aren’t back and when they come back things change. You sort of get that feeling and when that happens you’re like, yeah, this is the real deal and it’s like I’m not just going to stay at Liverpool.”
He continued, expressing his affection for Liverpool but underscoring his need to play more actively, “As much as I love the club, it’s one of the best clubs in the world and I’ve got nothing but love for the fans, but I’m not going to sit on the bench because what’s the point?” This honest reflection highlights his ambition to be more than just a reserve player.
Brentford’s pursuit of Carvalho was detailed and personalized, factors that significantly influenced his decision to join them. He noted the unique nature of the discussions with Brentford, contrasting them with past experiences: “It was a different conversation from any conversation I’ve had in the past because it wasn’t just, ‘Come here, this is the plan’. There was so much detail going into what you’re good at, what you can improve, where we can see you, where we think you should be and where you’re at. I could tell there was so much effort going into that. I was like, if they’re putting effort in that then they’ll put effort with me every day I come in. That’s what you want as a footballer.”
As Brentford prepares to face Liverpool at Anfield in their upcoming match, Carvalho may find himself in a pivotal role against his former team. His move and subsequent integration into Brentford highlight a strategy focused on developing talent and providing meaningful game time, which could see Carvalho flourish this season.
Carvalho’s switch to Brentford encapsulates a footballer’s quest for growth and the importance of feeling valued and utilized within a team. His journey continues to unfold as he embraces new challenges in the Premier League.