Arne Slot must decide Fabio Carvalho’s future as Southampton plans to continue negotiations for a potential permanent transfer of the attacker.
Southampton boss Russell Martin has confirmed that the Saints are in talks with Liverpool regarding a move for Fabio Carvalho.
Reports on Sunday indicated that Liverpool had rejected a £15 million bid from the newly-promoted Southampton for the attacker. Carvalho, who spent last season on loan at RB Leipzig and Hull City, is highly valued by Liverpool, who consider him worth much more than the offered fee. Negotiations between the two clubs are expected to continue in the coming days.
Martin is hopeful that these talks will progress, expressing his high regard for the Portuguese star. However, he acknowledged that the final decision on Carvalho’s future rests with Liverpool manager Arne Slot.
“He is a player we have liked for a while. We spoke in January but couldn’t get it done for one reason or another. We had a lot of strength in that position. He went and done really well at Hull. We are linked and the rumor mill at this time of year is really hot,” Martin told Sky Sports.
“So we’ve been linked with a lot of players, some far from the truth, some very true. He is a player I admire and like, but I’m sure lots of other managers do as well. I don’t really have any more information on it now apart from that.
“We’ll have to wait and see. I’m on a call this evening with the owners and the chief executive because it never stops in pre-season. We’ll discuss the strategy moving forward on every player we’re involved with.
“I think we’re all agreed and aligned, myself and the ownership group, that we will need some additions to help us out, but we have time. I’m really relaxed about it, we’re working hard behind the scenes on that. I love the group of players I’m working with, they give us absolutely everything. I think we’re in a good place.”
According to The Athletic, Liverpool have ‘no desire’ to let Carvalho leave on loan. If Southampton hopes to secure a permanent deal, they will need to significantly increase their offer.
Slot has been ‘hugely impressed’ with Carvalho during the early stages of his tenure and plans to use him in the upcoming season. Carvalho started all three of Liverpool’s games during their USA tour, scoring against Arsenal and Manchester United.
The late return of some of Liverpool’s key players due to the Copa America and Euro 2024 has provided Carvalho with a chance to shine. It is believed that he would like to stay at Anfield for the foreseeable future.
However, if he does not receive the game-time he desires, he may look to move on. Carvalho has three more years on his contract, and if Southampton cannot complete a quick deal, they may face competition from other suitors.