Liverpool sign £40m Man United-target Fabinho from Monaco

Liverpool have completed the signing of defensive midfielder Fabinho from Monaco in deal worth an initial £39.3 million. The Brazilian has inked a five-year contract and had no hesitation in committing to Jurgen Klopp's vision once the Reds firmed up their long-held interest in the destroyer. An initial enquiry was put in last summer following a lengthy period of assessing the 24-year-old, who was wanted by Manchester United and Atletico Madrid amongst other elite sides.  

Welcome to #LFC, Fabinho. ?https://t.co/Xd7ylCfnqJ pic.twitter.com/nYbV243DY5

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) May 28, 2018

Sporting director Michael Edwards worked quietly and tirelessly to progress an agreement as quickly as possible with the club determined not to stand still after an exhilarating continental campaign. Fabinho becomes the first recruit in what will be an aggressive summer for the Merseysiders with talks advancing for Nabir Fekir, while there are further designs on improving the goalkeeping department with Roma's Alisson on the agenda, as well as injecting more quality and depth to the attack and defence. “I am really excited about this move," he told Liverpoolfc.com upon completing the switch.

Fabinho, 24, is a strong tackler, aerially dominant, an incisive passer, has excellent positioning, is multi-functional and ticks an important box long left unchecked by #LFC

— Melissa Reddy (@MelissaReddy_) May 28, 2018

“This is something that I always wanted – this is a giant of a team. The infrastructures of the club look exceptional. “A football club of this size coming after my services, I didn’t have to think that much about coming over. “I will try to create my own history at this football club. Hopefully, on a personal level, I’m able to win titles with this club. “I will try to grow and learn and improve myself, and to be part of the club’s history.” Fabinho moved to Europe in 2012 from Fluminense's reserve side to join Portuguese club Rio Ave, before swiftly shifting to Real Madrid Castilla on a season-long loan. He made one appearance for their first-team before a temporary deal was struck with Monaco for two seasons, which turned permanent in 2015.  

In profile with our first signing of the summer...Fabinho's journey to #LFC ? https://t.co/NY4fKhlV8T pic.twitter.com/d2IcDsiByO

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) May 28, 2018

Fabinho, not included in Brazil's World Cup squad, was instrumental to their title triumph in 2016-17 and their sensational run to the Champions League semi-finals in the same season. He contributed eight goals and five assists across all competitions in the recently concluded campaign to complement his defensive duties.