Liverpool star Fabio Carvalho set to join RB Leipzig on season-long loan

There have been a number of departures from Liverpool already this summer and one of the clubs best young talents is also set to leave, albeit on a temporary basis.

Major changes have already been made to Jurgen Klopp's squad, with Roberto Firmino, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keita and James Milner leaving the club at the end of the season – and Arthur Melo returning to Juventus after a disastrous loan spell at Anfield. Meanwhile, Alexis Mac Allister has joined the Reds from Brighton – becoming the club's first new signing of the summer window.

Further transfer business is expected from Liverpool, who have been linked with a number of midfielders including Nice star Khephren Thuram, Borussia Monchengladbach's Manu Kone and Celta Vigo youngster Gabri Veiga. One player who could be on his way out of Anfield this summer is midfielder Fabio Carvalho.

The 20-year-old has struggled since moving to Liverpool in a £7.7m transfer last summer, managing only 13 appearances in the Premier League – the majority of which came from the bench. Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp admitted last season that Carvalho was "not happy" with his debut season on Merseyside, fuelling speculation he could leave the club this summer.

"Fabio, for the situation in which he is now, in training on an absolute super level and not being involved, how he deals with it, I have to say, that’s kind of a role model," said Klopp. Not that he is happy with the situation, but he never gives up. It’s unbelievable. I don't think it was probably his best skill before he arrived here, because he was this super-super talent – which he still is – but the character he shows here is exceptional."

Football Insider have reported that Cavalho has agreed to move to Bundesliga side RB Leipizig on loan in order to continue his development away from Liverpool. Talks between the two clubs have been ongoing since Leipzig had a permanent bid worth in excess of £10m rejected last month.

Carvalho is said to have agreed a season-long loan with no option to buy included and will undergo a medical with the German club next week before completing the move. The possibility of a further loan season-long stint has ‘already been tentatively discussed’ - though that would depend on how next season plays out.

Liverpool’s preference for Carvalho had been to agree a loan deal with another Premier League club - with Brentford, West Ham and Burnley all interested in the Portugal U21 international. 

But a ‘strong sales pitch’ from Leipzig, including the chance to play Champions League football, made them Carvalho’s favoured destination, with a move to Germany now looking likely.