Arne Slot might just have discovered Liverpool's new Philippe Coutinho according to Reds legend Phil Thompson, though his Anfield journey could be cut short.
With no fresh faces arriving at Liverpool under the Dutch coach this summer and the impact of the European Championship and Copa America, a reliance on youth was evident during the pre-season tour in the USA. Among the standout talents was Fabio Carvalho , the ex-Fulham youngster who had a loan spell at Hull City last season but now seems to be settling into life with the Reds.
Carvalho made an impression by netting goals against both Arsenal and Manchester United stateside. His performances have even drawn comparisons to former Liverpool magician Coutinho.
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Liverpool legend Thompson has tipped Carvalho for a breakthrough into the first team in the upcoming season. Speaking live on talkSPORT, Thompson praised him: "Carvalho scored two goals in the last [two games], against Arsenal, against Man United and he's a very clever footballer, likes to get between the lines. I know he's a bit lightweight, but he's very much like Coutinho and he can deliver."
Despite the high praise, Carvalho's time with Liverpool might not extend beyond the current transfer window. Several clubs are already keen on securing his services before next month's deadline.
Newly promoted Southampton has already failed with a $19m (£15m/€17m) bid for Carvalho this summer, while Leicester City is also interested in the midfielder. However, Carvalho has already told Liverpool.com that his "target is to stay" , adding: "I'm just having fun and enjoying the time I'm here and I'm learning a lot of new things."
Carvalho moved to Anfield in 2022 from Fulham, scoring three goals in 21 games in his debut season. The youngster then joined German side RB Leipzig on loan, only making 15 appearances before returning to England with Hull City, where he impressed by finding the net on nine occasions in 20 matches.
Carvalho's current contract at Liverpool is set to expire in the summer of 2027. However, he might not be the only promising youngster to leave Anfield this summer.
New head coach Slot will need to make decisions on the futures of both Tyler Morton and Bobby Clark . Morton is attracting interest from Atalanta and RB Leipzig, while Red Bull Salzburg, Norwich City and Leeds United are all keeping an eye on Clark, according to the Daily Mirror .
Liverpool.com says: Carvalho had a good pre-season but while he might be a similar style to Coutinho, he isn't at the same level as the Brazilian at his peak. That is the kind of player that Liverpool needs in its forward line.
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