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Transfer News: Liverpool signs Fabinho from AS Monaco

By Shanith de Mel

MONACO - MAY 03: Fabinho of AS Monaco in action during the UEFA Champions League Semi Final first leg match between AS Monaco v Juventus at Stade Louis II on May 3, 2017 in Monaco, Monaco. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
MONACO - MAY 03: Fabinho of AS Monaco in action during the UEFA Champions League Semi Final first leg match between AS Monaco v Juventus at Stade Louis II on May 3, 2017 in Monaco, Monaco. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /
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In an announcement late on Monday, Liverpool confirmed the signing of Brazilian midfielder Fabinho from AS Monaco. 

The midfield powerhouse joins Liverpool on an unspecified long-term deal from French side Monaco for a reported 45 million Euro fee, with a reported 5 million extra in bonuses to be paid. Fabinho is the Reds’ first piece of business this summer, and will most likely replace the unsettled Emre Can. He will join on July 1st when his move will be processed alongside that of fellow dynamic midfielder Naby Keïta.

https://twitter.com/LFC/status/1001191603460100096

Who is Fabinho?

Fabio Henrique Tavares, known as Fabinho, is a 24-year-old Brazilian defensive-midfielder hailing from São Paulo. He had been with Monaco ever since signing from Rio Ave in 2015 for six million euros following a successful loan spell. Fabinho also enjoyed a spell with Real Madrid’s B team in 2012, making a solitary appearance for the senior team in 2013.

He played initially as a right back, but it was as a tough-tackling midfielder where he made his name. Playing alongside Joao Moutinho and then Tiemoué Bakayoko, Fabinho became a key part of the Monaco midfield. He scored nine goals for Monaco as they stormed to the Ligue 1 title and a Champions League semi-final last year.

He has been as productive as ever this campaign despite Monaco finishing an unspectacular season in 2nd place. Without the complementary play of Bakayoko in a 4-4-2, Monaco have suffered, but the Brazilian has not. Fabinho’s steady play has been a highlight, and he will be sorely missed on the French Riviera.

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An exit from former French champions Monaco had been on the cards ever since a solid second season. He truly solidified his reputation following his move to defensive midfield and attracted many suitors. The likes of Manchester United and PSG have unsuccessfully made moves in the past, with PSG just missing out last summer.

He stayed in Monaco despite a mass exodus of players last season, one of only a few to do so. He nevertheless made his intentions clear, making no secret of his desire to move abroad, particularly to United.

Fabinho comes with a hefty fee, rivaling that paid for Keïta, which is only marginally higher. Liverpool hopes he will provide a steel and grace in midfield to complement the Guinean’s box-to-box style. Only time will tell how successful the move may be, but at least on paper, this is a coup of a signing.

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