Jurgen Klopp hits back at exit rumours surrounding ‘outstanding’ Liverpool ace and reveals only time player will be allowed to leave

Jurgen Klopp has revealed what he thinks about Liverpool midfielder Fabio Carvalho after the 20-year-old was linked with a shock early exit from Anfield.

After failing to sign Carvalho from Fulham in January 2022, Liverpool eventually got their man last summer. According to BBC Sport, they spent an initial £5million on the highly rated youngster, though the deal had the potential to rise to £7.2m as a result of add-ons.

Carvalho was hoping to follow in Harvey Elliott’s footsteps by making a decent impact at Anfield after joining Klopp’s side from the Cottagers. However, Carvalho has spent large periods of time warming the bench this season.

While he has made 20 appearances in all competitions, only five of these have lasted longer than an hour. The Portugal U21 international has often been used as a substitute in the last half an hour of matches, which has impacted his effectiveness in front of goal. After scoring 11 goals for Fulham last season, he has only managed to find the back of the net three times this campaign.

Surprisingly, Carvalho may depart Liverpool after just one season. On April 19, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano discussed the player’s future on his Here We Go podcast.

“Fabio Carvalho, I am told, is also leaving,” the journalist declared.

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“We have to see what solution they will find but he is young and he is never playing so it is important to clarify these things.”

This has led to concern Liverpool might ditch Carvalho by selling him, despite the fact he still possesses huge potential.

Fabrizio Romano reveal prompts Klopp response

However, Klopp has moved to calm down such rumours. Ahead of the league clash against West Ham, the manager labelled Carvalho ‘outstanding’ and revealed how he would only be allowed to leave Liverpool once he talks about his future with Klopp himself.

“I’d like to make all of these decisions with the boys before we talk about it. There is no decision in either direction yet,” he said (via Romano).

“What I can say, is that this week he was exceptional in training. Fabio’s really outstanding.”

It seems Klopp and Liverpool have yet to make a final decision on where Carvalho will be next season. The playmaker could be in line for some game time before the current season is out if he keeps impressing Klopp in training.

It would make sense for Carvalho to achieve a loan transfer in the summer so he can pick up more senior game time next term. He has the ability to do well for a mid-table Prem outfit, and this kind of move would also given him valuable top-flight experience.

Carvalho could then return to Anfield next summer as a more mature and better rounded player.

While Carvalho’s Liverpool spell has not been a huge success so far, he could still become a big hit on Merseyside over the next few years.

Meanwhile, Liverpool are ‘ready to present an offer’ as they aim to sign an impressive Dutchman before Newcastle, as per a report.