by Louis O Hoisin
Is Fabinho the player Liverpool have been looking for to really compete in major games?
Monaco midfielder Fabinho has officially agreed to join Liverpool in the coming weeks after completing a medical on Monday afternoon. The 24-year-old Brazilian will cost the reds around €45 million with a potential €5 million more in add-ons.
Liverpool have made this signing to increase depth around the defensive midfield role, a position where they previously lacked in. Jordan Henderson or maybe even Emre Can have been the only real options in the position. Think of Fabinho as an improved Lucas Leiva.
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He managed to score eight goals last season with Monaco, although four of these were penalties. He had an 85% pass success rate and averaged around 60 completed passes per game.
Compared to Henderson this season he has on average more tackles, more interceptions and more blocks per game. He was one of Ligue 1's top passers with 1980 passes last year and topped the Monaco rankings for most passes.
His specialities are long-balls and tackling. He's also built up a reputation for retaining possession and his composure is as Brazilian as you'd expect. Standing at 6' 2, he's not easily beaten in the air. He's won nearly three times more aerial battles per game than Henderson.
He'll officially join Liverpool on July 1, the same day as Naby Keita – Liverpool's other midfield signing from last August. These signing are sure to really strengthen Liverpool's midfield for next year.
Fabinho has expressed his joy about the deal calling Liverpool "a giant of a team" and that he is "really excited" for his future there. He also revealed how fellow Brazilian Roberto Firmino played a part in his decision making saying he "gave me a lot of confidence and showed me they really wanted me."
Liverpool will be hoping for a big season in 18/19 with Klopp's plan finally coming together.
