Liverpool have announced the signing of Monaco midfielder Fabinho on a long-term contract.
The Brazil international, who is also comfortable at right-back, joins the club in a reported £39m deal with both the player and Reds manager Jurgen Klopp expressing their excitement at being able to work together.
The deal will officially be ratified on July 1, say the club’s official website, after the former Rio Ave player completed a medical and finalised terms.
Revealing his delight at the switch, Fabinho, who has also spent time on loan with Real Madrid, said: “I am really excited about this move.
“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 clubs history.”
Fabinho has four international caps but was not included in Brazil’s World Cup squad by coach Tite.
A former Ligue 1 winner, in the 2016/17 season, the 24-year-old joins Liverpool after helping Monaco to second place in the recently completed French season.
Klopp added that he signed Fabinho to help improve his squad, saying: “We have signed a fantastic player, but someone who is an equally fantastic person I think.
“His reputation as a character in the dressing room and his attitude in training has come through from everyone we speak to.
“He has ability and mentality to play at the highest level in a number of positions. He can play ‘6’, ‘8’ and ‘2’. This is cool.
“He is tactically very strong and football smart. I think he improves our squad and there aren’t that many players you can say that about in this moment, because the quality we have already is so high.
“This signing gives us new opportunities and for that I am excited. I’m sure our supporters will make him very welcome and at home at our wonderful club and in our amazing city.”
