One of Liverpool's young talents currently out on loan will reportedly be re-integrated into the first team next season.
After a failed stint at RB Leipzig in the first half of the 2023-24 season, Portuguese attacker Fabio Carvalho dropped back down to the Championship to sign for Hull City on a temporary basis.
The 21-year-old, a former Fulham protege, has quickly reignited his stalled career under Liam Rosenior, scoring eight goals in 17 second-tier matches during the Tigers' push for the playoffs.
Rosenior's men are playing catch-up in the top-six race with just three games left to go, though, occupying seventh place in the table with a six-point gap to make up to Norwich City, who have played a game more.
Hull do not possess the option to sign Carvalho on a permanent deal, and the Portugal youth international is therefore due to return to Liverpool, where he is under contract until 2027.
© Reuters
Carvalho to enjoy fresh start under new manager
Carvalho was initially enjoying regular game time under Jurgen Klopp before slipping down the German's pecking order, but he will return to Anfield hoping to impress a new head coach.
According to Football Insider, the attacker will be handed opportunities in the first team for the 2024-25 season, rather than being sent out for a third loan in two seasons.
The report adds that Hull would be keen on a permanent deal for Carvalho, but even if they can sneak into the playoffs and earn promotion to the Premier League, they would not be able to afford his signature.
Despite his plateau under Klopp, Liverpool supposedly still believe that the former Fulham man will fulfil his potential on Merseyside, where he arrived for just £5m from Craven Cottage in 2022.
Carvalho has scored three goals in 21 matches for the Reds so far, and his versatility could make him an intriguing option in attack for whoever takes on the role of Klopp's successor.
Where might Carvalho fit in at Liverpool next season?
© Reuters
Given Liverpool's extensive reserves of talent in midfield and attack, Carvalho would surely have to accept another bit-part role next season, albeit with expected starts in the cup competitions.
The 21-year-old has found success in a central role this season - either as a number 10 or centre-forward - but of course, Liverpool do not play with a traditional attacking midfielder in Klopp's current setup.
That could very well change depending on who is brought in, but Carvalho could also be deployed on either wing, and the Reds have seen two of their wide men linked with exits ahead of 2024-25.
Saudi Arabia's interest in Mohamed Salah has not died down, and Liverpool are braced for summer bids, while Luis Diaz has apparently caught Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain's eye.
The departure of one or both celebrated names would boost Carvalho's standing straight away, although the Reds would be expected to spend big on a replacement rather than entering the new season with the 21-year-old as their first choice on either side.
Ben Knapton
