Julian Ward will oversee his first summer transfer window in sole charge in a few weeks. Liverpool’s plan is starting to become clearer as the squad takes shape.
When Liverpool set their sights on a transfer target, it is incredibly unlikely that they do not get their man.
Their meticulous methods of working on a transfer deal mean that before any negotiations are done, they have a pretty good idea that the player is exactly what they are looking for — and that they want to make the move.
A deal for Fulham starlet Fabio Carvalho was always going to come back on the table in the summer, then, despite it breaking down last-minute in January, with the talented 20-year-old, who made his Portugal U21 debut last week, one for now and the future.
Football Insider claimed this morning that an ‘agreement in principle has been reached for him to move to Anfield despite interest from several clubs around Europe.
Real Madrid, Barcelona, Tottenham, and many others were supposedly keen, but as soon as Liverpool’s interest became known at the end of the previous transfer window, that was always only going to lead to one outcome.
Having already signed Luis Díaz a few months in advance of when that deal was planned for, and with Carvalho lined up regardless of those ‘agreement’ claims, that could be a significant amount of business already taken care of come the summer.
With a bloated squad likely to be trimmed down slightly via some exits, including Divock Origi leaving on a free transfer, James Milner potentially following suit, and a few others who could be allowed to leave, another addition to the side would maintain the strength in numbers required to fight on all fronts once again.
Carvalho also ticks the youthful and homegrown boxes, and, like Curtis Jones, could play in the front three if required. The Fulham man has shown plenty of talent and Liverpool is likely to turn him into a number eight under Jürgen Klopp.
The rest of the dealings that Liverpool does will almost certainly hinge on further outgoings. If Joe Gomez were to depart, then another center-back would be required.
If the club were to lose another forward, then that player would have to be replaced.
Generally, though, the squad is already starting to shape up. Adding Díaz has furthered the depth up front and Origi can leave without another addition being needed there.
Meanwhile in midfield, even if Milner and, say, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, left, adding Carvalho would still leave enough options centrally, with the potential to add one more in that area who could play the holding role as Fabinho’s cover.
In two moves — Díaz and Carvalho — Liverpool have got themselves into excellent shape heading into Julian Ward’s first transfer window in sole charge as sporting director.
An extra signing and a contract extension or two remain on the to-do list. But Liverpool’s plans for next season are already becoming clear — and Fabio Carvalho was always likely to form a big part of them.
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