Fabio Carvalho admits talk of a move to Liverpool "has affected him" with his Fulham days numbered following the Cottagers' promotion.
The teenage sensation has played a staring role for the west London outfit, who have returned to the Premier League at the first time of asking. Carvalho is the latest star to emerge from Fulham's academy and has played 34 times for Marco Silva's outfit, scoring on ten occasions.
His performances caught the eye of Liverpool, who made moves to sign the player in January before they ran out of time to complete the transfer on deadline day. Carvalho is out of contract this summer and the Reds have reportedly sealed a deal for the 19-year-old - who concedes he has been keeping tabs on speculation regarding his future.
He said: "I’ve tried not to let it affect me but I’m only human. I’m obviously aware of those stories, even if it’s only subconsciously. I think it has affected me a bit. But what I can say is that I’m determined to keep working hard for Fulham. Whenever I step out on to the pitch wearing a Fulham shirt, I will give it my all. As far as the future goes, whatever happens, happens. My focus is on the here and now."
Fulham sealed promotion in midweek as they saw off Preston 3-0 at Craven Cottage. Silva's outfit have been by far and away the best team in the second tier this term and will, once again, attempt to remain in the top flight following two relegations in recent years.
Carvalho, who has played a leading role, sees his contract expires in a matter of months meaning he was free to negotiate his future with others clubs outside of England. Domestic teams, however, need to pay a tribunal fee or agree on a transfer with Fulham, which Liverpool have succeeded in doing.
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Jurgen Klopp and his side were expected to reignite their interest in the summer and an agreement has been struck that will see the highly-rated midfielder head to Merseyside for next season, reports The Athletic. Carvalho will become a Red on July 1 for an initial fee of £5 million with the Premier League side agreeing to a 20 per cent sell-on fee and a further £2.7 million in add-ons. The 19-year-old has already agreed on personal terms and completed his medical ahead of the switch.
The Fulham star is poised to sign a deal until 2027 after the two clubs remained in contact despite their January discussions falling through. Carvalho made his first-team debut in May 2021 and has enjoyed a rapid rise in west London.
Last week Cottagers boss Silva confessed: "I can’t lie to you, we have been trying to renew his contract and it has been really difficult for us. Unfortunately, the player has got into the last year of his contract and is a player who is doing a fantastic season."
